Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hill, NY (Mar 2023)
- South Hill Solar Installation Cost: $9,623
- 25-Year Savings: $5,177
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hill
We break down average solar pricing in South Hill.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Hill generally cost around 2.95. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in South Hill, the average price of going solar will be about $9,623 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Hill find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,031 |
| 3 years | $-7,847 |
| 5 years | $-6,663 |
| 7 years | $-5,479 |
| 9 years | $-4,295 |
| 11 years | $-3,111 |
| 13 years | $-1,927 |
| 15 years | $-743 |
| 17 years | $441 |
| 19 years | $1,625 |
| 21 years | $2,809 |
| 23 years | $3,993 |
| 25 years | $5,177 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hill
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer 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
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 South Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hill
The cost of installing a solar system in South Hill 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in South Hill, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Hill offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in South Hill, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Hill are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $6,171 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $8,559 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $11,112 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $13,829 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $16,713 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $19,761 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $22,974 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $26,353 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in South Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 South Hill, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in South Hill 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 consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does South Hill have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in South Hill?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.