Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Falls, NY (2023 Update)
- Highland Falls Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $15,609
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland Falls
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Highland Falls.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Highland Falls typically cost around 2.95. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Highland Falls, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,941, or $12,786 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Highland Falls depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average Highland Falls homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Highland Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,959 |
| 3 years | $-5,995 |
| 5 years | $-4,031 |
| 7 years | $-2,067 |
| 9 years | $-103 |
| 11 years | $1,861 |
| 13 years | $3,825 |
| 15 years | $5,789 |
| 17 years | $7,753 |
| 19 years | $9,717 |
| 21 years | $11,681 |
| 23 years | $13,645 |
| 25 years | $15,609 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland Falls
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Highland Falls, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Falls
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Highland Falls: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Highland Falls, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment 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 Falls is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $21,150 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $28,530 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $36,076 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $43,787 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $51,663 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $59,704 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $67,910 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $76,282 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Falls, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Highland Falls is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Highland Falls is currently $338,344, which means you can look forward to a value of about $13,872 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Highland Falls is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Highland Falls?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.