Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franconia, PA (2024 Update)

  • Franconia Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,723
  • Payback Period: 16.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franconia

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Franconia.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Franconia it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Franconia is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,365 for a solar installation, or $23,402 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Franconia find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Franconia for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Franconia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,019
3 years $-12,328
5 years $-9,637
7 years $-6,945
9 years $-4,254
11 years $-1,563
13 years $1,128
15 years $3,819
17 years $6,511
19 years $9,202
21 years $11,893
23 years $14,584
25 years $17,275

Top Solar Installers in Franconia

Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Franconia:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Franconia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franconia

For many Franconia homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Franconia, 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

One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Franconia.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Franconia to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Franconia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 add-on 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 $7,707 16.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $10,674 16.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $13,839 16.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $17,203 15.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $20,766 15.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $24,528 15.1 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $28,488 14.8 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $32,648 14.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’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 if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Franconia, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franconia?

The average cost of solar panels in Franconia is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Franconia?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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