Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin, PA (2024 Update)
- Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $17,151
- 25-Year Savings: $8,724
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Franklin.
In Franklin, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Franklin, the average price of going solar will be about $17,151 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Franklin based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Franklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,068 |
| 3 years | $-13,903 |
| 5 years | $-11,737 |
| 7 years | $-9,571 |
| 9 years | $-7,405 |
| 11 years | $-5,239 |
| 13 years | $-3,074 |
| 15 years | $-908 |
| 17 years | $1,258 |
| 19 years | $3,424 |
| 21 years | $5,590 |
| 23 years | $7,755 |
| 25 years | $9,921 |
Top Solar Installers in Franklin
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Franklin, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Franklin homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Franklin, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 names.
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 | $2,787 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,114 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,639 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,364 | 20.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,287 | 19.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,409 | 19.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,729 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,249 | 18.3 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things 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 what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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.
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 Franklin, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklin?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s 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% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.