Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highlands, NY (Mar 2023)
- Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $16,458
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highlands
We break down average solar pricing in Highlands.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Highlands is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Highlands, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,941, or $12,786 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Highlands homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Highlands for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Highlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,925 |
| 3 years | $-5,893 |
| 5 years | $-3,861 |
| 7 years | $-1,830 |
| 9 years | $202 |
| 11 years | $2,234 |
| 13 years | $4,266 |
| 15 years | $6,298 |
| 17 years | $8,330 |
| 19 years | $10,362 |
| 21 years | $12,394 |
| 23 years | $14,426 |
| 25 years | $16,458 |
Top Solar Installers in Highlands
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Highlands, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Highlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highlands
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Highlands: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Highlands. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Highlands to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Highlands homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Highlands' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 names.
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 | $22,328 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $30,101 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $38,039 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $46,143 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $54,412 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $62,846 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $71,445 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $80,209 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Highlands, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highlands?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highlands?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Highlands is currently $328,421, which means you can look forward to a value of about $13,465 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Highlands is a worthwhile investment.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.