Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillcrest, NY (2024 Update)
- Hillcrest Solar Installation Cost: $10,838
- 25-Year Savings: $18,340
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillcrest
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Hillcrest.
In Hillcrest, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Hillcrest is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,838 for a solar installation, or $15,498 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hillcrest homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Hillcrest homeowner can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillcrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,497 |
| 3 years | $-6,815 |
| 5 years | $-4,133 |
| 7 years | $-1,452 |
| 9 years | $1,230 |
| 11 years | $3,912 |
| 13 years | $6,594 |
| 15 years | $9,275 |
| 17 years | $11,957 |
| 19 years | $14,639 |
| 21 years | $17,320 |
| 23 years | $20,002 |
| 25 years | $22,684 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillcrest
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Hillcrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillcrest
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hillcrest: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,650. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hillcrest, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hillcrest offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Hillcrest, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $22,389 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $30,260 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $38,336 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $46,617 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $55,102 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $63,791 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $72,685 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $81,783 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important 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.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Hillcrest, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillcrest?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hillcrest?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Hillcrest is currently $785,321, which means you can expect a value of about $32,198 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hillcrest is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Hillcrest?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.