Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountain Hill, PA (2024 Update)
- Fountain Hill Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
- 25-Year Savings: $12,393
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fountain Hill
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Fountain Hill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fountain Hill it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fountain Hill is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,591 for a solar installation, or $23,725 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Fountain Hill homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Fountain Hill
| 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 Fountain Hill
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fountain Hill, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Fountain Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountain Hill
For many Fountain Hill homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fountain Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fountain Hill is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Fountain Hill are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 a lot of 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:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Fountain Hill, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fountain Hill?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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 cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fountain Hill?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.