Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Hills, NY (2023 Update)
- North Hills Solar Installation Cost: $7,947
- 25-Year Savings: $16,252
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Hills
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in North Hills.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Hills typically cost about 2.95. 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of North Hills homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in North Hills can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,351 |
| 3 years | $-3,158 |
| 5 years | $34 |
| 7 years | $3,227 |
| 9 years | $6,419 |
| 11 years | $9,611 |
| 13 years | $12,804 |
| 15 years | $15,996 |
| 17 years | $19,189 |
| 19 years | $22,381 |
| 21 years | $25,574 |
| 23 years | $28,766 |
| 25 years | $31,959 |
Top Solar Installers in North Hills
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in North Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Hills
There are a number of factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Hills to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in North Hills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous 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 North Hills, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in North Hills is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in North Hills?
A solar panel system isn't free in North Hills, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.