Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dickinson, PA (2024 Update)
- Dickinson Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $14,957
- Payback Period: 15.4 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 Dickinson
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Dickinson.
The average cost of a solar system in Dickinson is 4 per watt.Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Dickinson, the average price of going solar will be about $16,556 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dickinson find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Dickinson for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dickinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,313 |
| 3 years | $-12,827 |
| 5 years | $-10,341 |
| 7 years | $-7,855 |
| 9 years | $-5,369 |
| 11 years | $-2,883 |
| 13 years | $-397 |
| 15 years | $2,089 |
| 17 years | $4,575 |
| 19 years | $7,060 |
| 21 years | $9,546 |
| 23 years | $12,032 |
| 25 years | $14,518 |
Top Solar Installers in Dickinson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Dickinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dickinson
Though the average cost of a solar system in Dickinson is $16,556, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Dickinson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dickinson to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Dickinson’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,673 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,962 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,449 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,136 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,021 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,104 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,387 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,869 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Dickinson, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dickinson?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, 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 Dickinson?
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 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dickinson is currently $300,886, so you can expect a value of about $12,336 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dickinson is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.