Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highlands, NY (2025 Update)
- Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $11,058
- 25-Year Savings: $16,463
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highlands
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Highlands.
In Highlands, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Highlands, the average price of going solar will be about $11,058 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Highlands based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Highlands homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Highlands, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Highlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,755 |
| 3 years | $-7,151 |
| 5 years | $-4,547 |
| 7 years | $-1,943 |
| 9 years | $661 |
| 11 years | $3,265 |
| 13 years | $5,869 |
| 15 years | $8,473 |
| 17 years | $11,077 |
| 19 years | $13,681 |
| 21 years | $16,285 |
| 23 years | $18,889 |
| 25 years | $21,493 |
Top Solar Installers in Highlands
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Highlands:
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
See all of the solar companies in Highlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highlands
Though the average cost of a solar system in Highlands is $11,058, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Highlands.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Highlands homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Highlands, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $19,270 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $26,103 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $33,139 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $40,381 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $47,826 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $55,476 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $63,330 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $71,389 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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
EcoWatch's Highlands, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highlands?
The average cost of solar panels in Highlands is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highlands?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Highlands, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 Highlands?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.