Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hill, NY (2023 Update)
- South Hill Solar Installation Cost: $9,622
- 25-Year Savings: $5,178
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hill
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in South Hill.
The average cost of solar panels in South Hill is 2.95 per watt. The average South Hill homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,623 with the federal tax credit, or $13,761 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Hill homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average South Hill homeowner can save around $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in South Hill for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in South Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,573 |
| 3 years | $-9,474 |
| 5 years | $-9,376 |
| 7 years | $-9,277 |
| 9 years | $-9,178 |
| 11 years | $-9,080 |
| 13 years | $-8,981 |
| 15 years | $-8,882 |
| 17 years | $-8,784 |
| 19 years | $-8,685 |
| 21 years | $-8,586 |
| 23 years | $-8,488 |
| 25 years | $-8,389 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hill
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are several 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 South Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hill
There are many 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in South Hill, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Hill, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Hill to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for South Hill homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. South Hill's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $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 a large number of companies to choose from in South Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 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 stuff such as the kind 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 attractive choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in South Hill?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 goes down 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.