Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Hills, NY (Mar 2023)
- North Hills Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
- 25-Year Savings: $16,249
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Hills
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in North Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Hills, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in North Hills is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,950 for a solar installation, or $11,368 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in North Hills based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in North Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,982 |
| 3 years | $-5,046 |
| 5 years | $-3,110 |
| 7 years | $-1,175 |
| 9 years | $761 |
| 11 years | $2,697 |
| 13 years | $4,633 |
| 15 years | $6,569 |
| 17 years | $8,505 |
| 19 years | $10,441 |
| 21 years | $12,377 |
| 23 years | $14,313 |
| 25 years | $16,249 |
Top Solar Installers in North Hills
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in North Hills, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 North Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Hills
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in North Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in North Hills. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Hills, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in North Hills, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in North Hills, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in North Hills know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $24,843 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $33,454 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $42,231 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $51,173 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $60,280 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $69,552 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $78,989 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $88,592 | 7.4 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: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 North Hills, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Hills?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in North Hills?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in North Hills?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.