Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arnold, PA (2024 Update)
- Arnold Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $12,827
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arnold
We break down average solar pricing in Arnold.
In Arnold, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Arnold, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,475, or $24,989 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Arnold can save about $14,000 on their energy 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 Arnold
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,838 |
| 3 years | $-12,564 |
| 5 years | $-9,290 |
| 7 years | $-6,016 |
| 9 years | $-2,742 |
| 11 years | $531 |
| 13 years | $3,805 |
| 15 years | $7,079 |
| 17 years | $10,353 |
| 19 years | $13,627 |
| 21 years | $16,901 |
| 23 years | $20,174 |
| 25 years | $23,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Arnold
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Arnold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arnold
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Arnold.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Arnold, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Arnold 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Arnold is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Arnold know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,148 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,594 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,240 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,084 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,128 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,369 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,810 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, 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 system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Arnold, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arnold?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Arnold?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 Arnold 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 utility 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 Arnold?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.