Solar Panel Cost Guide in Danville, PA (2024 Update)
- Danville Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
- 25-Year Savings: $11,964
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Danville
We break down average solar pricing in Danville.
The average cost of solar panels in Danville is 4 per watt.Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Danville, the average price of going solar will be about $17,188 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Danville depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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Solar savings over time in Danville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,842 |
| 3 years | $-13,151 |
| 5 years | $-10,460 |
| 7 years | $-7,769 |
| 9 years | $-5,078 |
| 11 years | $-2,386 |
| 13 years | $305 |
| 15 years | $2,996 |
| 17 years | $5,687 |
| 19 years | $8,378 |
| 21 years | $11,069 |
| 23 years | $13,761 |
| 25 years | $16,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Danville
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Danville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Danville
The cost of installing a solar system in Danville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Danville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Danville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Danville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $5,582 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,841 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,298 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,954 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,808 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,862 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $22,114 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,566 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Danville, 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:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Danville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Danville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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 Danville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $702.96 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.