Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland, NY (Mar 2023)
- Highland Solar Installation Cost: $9,003
- 25-Year Savings: $12,997
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland
We break down average solar pricing in Highland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highland, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Highland, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,003, or $12,874 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Highland can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,123 |
| 3 years | $-6,363 |
| 5 years | $-4,603 |
| 7 years | $-2,843 |
| 9 years | $-1,083 |
| 11 years | $677 |
| 13 years | $2,437 |
| 15 years | $4,197 |
| 17 years | $5,957 |
| 19 years | $7,717 |
| 21 years | $9,477 |
| 23 years | $11,237 |
| 25 years | $12,997 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Highland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Highland is $9,003, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Highland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
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 decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Highland is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $17,396 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $23,526 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $29,820 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $36,280 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $42,905 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $49,695 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $56,650 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $63,770 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Highland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highland?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.