Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emmaus, PA (2024 Update)
- Emmaus Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
- 25-Year Savings: $12,393
- Payback Period: 17.1 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 Emmaus
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Emmaus.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Emmaus typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Emmaus, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,591, or $23,725 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Emmaus homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emmaus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,246 |
| 3 years | $-12,555 |
| 5 years | $-9,863 |
| 7 years | $-7,172 |
| 9 years | $-4,481 |
| 11 years | $-1,790 |
| 13 years | $901 |
| 15 years | $3,593 |
| 17 years | $6,284 |
| 19 years | $8,975 |
| 21 years | $11,666 |
| 23 years | $14,357 |
| 25 years | $17,049 |
Top Solar Installers in Emmaus
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Emmaus, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Emmaus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emmaus
The cost of installing a solar system in Emmaus can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Emmaus.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Emmaus, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $6,341 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,852 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,562 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,470 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,578 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,884 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,389 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,093 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Emmaus, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Emmaus?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 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.