Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilton, NY (2023 Update)
- Hilton Solar Installation Cost: $8,610
- 25-Year Savings: $8,137
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilton
We go over average solar pricing in Hilton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hilton it's 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Hilton, the average price of going solar will be about $8,611 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hilton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hilton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hilton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,554 |
| 3 years | $-8,442 |
| 5 years | $-8,331 |
| 7 years | $-8,219 |
| 9 years | $-8,107 |
| 11 years | $-7,996 |
| 13 years | $-7,884 |
| 15 years | $-7,772 |
| 17 years | $-7,661 |
| 19 years | $-7,549 |
| 21 years | $-7,438 |
| 23 years | $-7,326 |
| 25 years | $-7,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
There are various 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 Hilton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilton
There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hilton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind 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 varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hilton know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
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.