Solar Panel Cost Guide in Enola, PA (2024 Update)
- Enola Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $12,418
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Enola
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Enola.
The average cost of a solar system in Enola 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Enola homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Enola find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Enola
| 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 Enola
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 Enola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Enola
The cost of installing a solar system in Enola can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Enola, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Enola is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $6,387 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,914 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,639 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,563 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,686 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,008 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,529 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,248 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Enola, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Enola?
This is a difficult 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-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 Enola?
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 can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Enola, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.