Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hill, NY (2024 Update)
- South Hill Solar Installation Cost: $11,905
- 25-Year Savings: $5,178
- Payback Period: 20.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hill
We break down average solar pricing in South Hill.
In South Hill, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in South Hill is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,905 for a solar installation, or $17,024 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in South Hill can save about $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,080 |
| 3 years | $-9,428 |
| 5 years | $-7,776 |
| 7 years | $-6,124 |
| 9 years | $-4,472 |
| 11 years | $-2,820 |
| 13 years | $-1,169 |
| 15 years | $483 |
| 17 years | $2,135 |
| 19 years | $3,787 |
| 21 years | $5,439 |
| 23 years | $7,091 |
| 25 years | $8,743 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hill
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in South Hill:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in South Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hill
Though the average cost of a solar system in South Hill is $11,905, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many South Hill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Hill homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,114 | 20.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,560 | 20.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,212 | 20.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,067 | 19.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,127 | 19.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $12,391 | 18.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $14,860 | 18.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $17,533 | 18.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts 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.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's South Hill, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Hill?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in South Hill?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.