Solar Panel Cost Guide in Foster, PA (2024 Update)
- Foster Solar Installation Cost: $17,998
- 25-Year Savings: $17,672
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Foster
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Foster.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Foster, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Foster, the average price of going solar will be about $17,998 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Foster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,520 |
| 3 years | $-13,565 |
| 5 years | $-10,610 |
| 7 years | $-7,655 |
| 9 years | $-4,700 |
| 11 years | $-1,745 |
| 13 years | $1,210 |
| 15 years | $4,164 |
| 17 years | $7,119 |
| 19 years | $10,074 |
| 21 years | $13,029 |
| 23 years | $15,984 |
| 25 years | $18,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Foster
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Foster, 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 Foster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Foster
The cost of installing a solar system in Foster can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Foster.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Foster homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Foster is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $9,843 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,522 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,400 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,476 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,751 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,225 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $34,898 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,769 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- 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 installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Foster, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Foster?
The average cost of solar panels in Foster is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Foster?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Foster. 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.
Does Foster have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.