Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilton, NY (2023 Update)
- Hilton Solar Installation Cost: $8,611
- 25-Year Savings: $8,135
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilton
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hilton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hilton typically cost about 2.95. Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $8,611 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 will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hilton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,941 |
| 3 years | $-6,601 |
| 5 years | $-5,262 |
| 7 years | $-3,922 |
| 9 years | $-2,582 |
| 11 years | $-1,243 |
| 13 years | $97 |
| 15 years | $1,437 |
| 17 years | $2,777 |
| 19 years | $4,116 |
| 21 years | $5,456 |
| 23 years | $6,796 |
| 25 years | $8,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilton
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Hilton:
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 Hilton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hilton: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hilton, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Hilton 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 key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Hilton, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,214 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $15,282 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $19,516 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $23,914 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $28,478 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $33,207 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $38,102 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $43,161 | 11.6 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Hilton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hilton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hilton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hilton. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Hilton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.