Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillcrest, NY (2023 Update)
- Hillcrest Solar Installation Cost: $8,756
- 25-Year Savings: $18,344
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillcrest
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Hillcrest.
The average cost of a solar system in Hillcrest is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hillcrest is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,756 for a solar installation, or $12,521 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $24,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hillcrest find going solar can pay off big.
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 Hillcrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,672 |
| 3 years | $-5,504 |
| 5 years | $-3,336 |
| 7 years | $-1,168 |
| 9 years | $1,000 |
| 11 years | $3,168 |
| 13 years | $5,336 |
| 15 years | $7,504 |
| 17 years | $9,672 |
| 19 years | $11,840 |
| 21 years | $14,008 |
| 23 years | $16,176 |
| 25 years | $18,344 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillcrest
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Hillcrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillcrest
The cost of installing a solar system in Hillcrest can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hillcrest average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option 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. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hillcrest is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Hillcrest know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $25,446 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $34,259 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $43,236 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $52,379 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $61,687 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $71,161 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $80,799 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $90,603 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past 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
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 a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hillcrest?
A solar panel system isn't free in Hillcrest, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my property 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 Hillcrest is currently $426,900, which means you could be looking at a value of about $17,503 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hillcrest is a worthwhile 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.