Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland, NY (2024 Update)
- Highland Solar Installation Cost: $11,137
- 25-Year Savings: $12,999
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Highland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Highland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,137 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Highland see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,874 |
| 3 years | $-7,348 |
| 5 years | $-4,821 |
| 7 years | $-2,295 |
| 9 years | $231 |
| 11 years | $2,758 |
| 13 years | $5,284 |
| 15 years | $7,810 |
| 17 years | $10,337 |
| 19 years | $12,863 |
| 21 years | $15,390 |
| 23 years | $17,916 |
| 25 years | $20,442 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Highland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland
For many Highland homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Highland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Highland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Highland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $14,339 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $19,527 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $24,920 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $30,517 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $36,319 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $42,325 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $48,535 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $54,950 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Highland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland?
The average cost of solar panels in Highland is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Highland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Highland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Highland?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.