Solar Panel Cost Guide in Amity Gardens, PA (2024 Update)
- Amity Gardens Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $14,249
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Amity Gardens
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Amity Gardens.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Amity Gardens it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Amity Gardens, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,528, or $23,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Amity Gardens homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Amity Gardens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Amity Gardens
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Amity Gardens:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Amity Gardens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Amity Gardens
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 Amity Gardens: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,550.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Amity Gardens homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Amity Gardens, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,058 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,142 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,424 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,905 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,585 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,464 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,541 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,818 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Amity Gardens, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Amity Gardens?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Amity Gardens?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Amity Gardens is currently $269,345, so you can expect a value of about $11,043 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Amity Gardens is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.