Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, PA (2024 Update)
- Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $17,084
- Payback Period: 15.7 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 Carlisle
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Carlisle.
The average cost of a solar system in Carlisle is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,556 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Carlisle homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carlisle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,211 |
| 3 years | $-12,519 |
| 5 years | $-9,828 |
| 7 years | $-7,137 |
| 9 years | $-4,446 |
| 11 years | $-1,755 |
| 13 years | $937 |
| 15 years | $3,628 |
| 17 years | $6,319 |
| 19 years | $9,010 |
| 21 years | $11,701 |
| 23 years | $14,393 |
| 25 years | $17,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlisle
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are various 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 Carlisle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlisle
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Carlisle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Carlisle.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carlisle average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Carlisle, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,166 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,286 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,605 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,122 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,838 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,753 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,867 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,179 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Carlisle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Carlisle, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carlisle?
The average cost of solar panels in Carlisle is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Carlisle?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Carlisle. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Carlisle?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Carlisle?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.