Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jim Thorpe, PA (2024 Update)
- Jim Thorpe Solar Installation Cost: $16,942
- 25-Year Savings: $12,570
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jim Thorpe
We break down average solar pricing in Jim Thorpe.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jim Thorpe, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Jim Thorpe, the average price of going solar will be about $16,942 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Jim Thorpe can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Jim Thorpe, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jim Thorpe
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,648 |
3 years | $-13,059 |
5 years | $-10,471 |
7 years | $-7,882 |
9 years | $-5,294 |
11 years | $-2,705 |
13 years | $-116 |
15 years | $2,472 |
17 years | $5,061 |
19 years | $7,649 |
21 years | $10,238 |
23 years | $12,826 |
25 years | $15,415 |
Top Solar Installers in Jim Thorpe
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Jim Thorpe:
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 Jim Thorpe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jim Thorpe
The cost of installing a solar system in Jim Thorpe 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
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Jim Thorpe, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Jim Thorpe homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jim Thorpe is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Jim Thorpe are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $6,266 | 17.8 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,752 | 17.5 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,437 | 17.1 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,321 | 16.8 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,403 | 16.4 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,685 | 16.1 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,165 | 15.8 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,844 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Jim Thorpe, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- 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 should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure 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 Jim Thorpe, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jim Thorpe?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jim Thorpe?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Jim Thorpe?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.