Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hellam, PA (2024 Update)
- Hellam Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $13,779
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hellam
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Hellam.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hellam it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Hellam, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,398, or $23,449 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Hellam that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hellam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,155 |
| 3 years | $-12,669 |
| 5 years | $-10,183 |
| 7 years | $-7,697 |
| 9 years | $-5,211 |
| 11 years | $-2,726 |
| 13 years | $-240 |
| 15 years | $2,246 |
| 17 years | $4,732 |
| 19 years | $7,218 |
| 21 years | $9,704 |
| 23 years | $12,190 |
| 25 years | $14,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Hellam
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Hellam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hellam
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hellam: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hellam average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hellam, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hellam is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $7,732 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,707 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,881 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,254 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,825 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,595 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,564 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,732 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Hellam, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hellam?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hellam?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hellam. However, you may still be able to get 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hellam, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.