Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benner, PA (2024 Update)
- Benner Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $11,877
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benner
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Benner.
The average cost of solar panels in Benner is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,416 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Benner homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Benner see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Benner for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Benner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,202 |
| 3 years | $-13,773 |
| 5 years | $-11,344 |
| 7 years | $-8,915 |
| 9 years | $-6,486 |
| 11 years | $-4,057 |
| 13 years | $-1,629 |
| 15 years | $800 |
| 17 years | $3,229 |
| 19 years | $5,658 |
| 21 years | $8,087 |
| 23 years | $10,516 |
| 25 years | $12,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Benner
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
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 Benner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benner
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Benner: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Benner 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 remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $5,371 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,559 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,946 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,531 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,316 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,299 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,481 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $24,861 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Benner, 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:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Benner, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benner?
The average cost of solar panels in Benner is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like 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 Benner?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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.
Is it worth going solar in Benner?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.