Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lawrence, PA (2024 Update)
- Lawrence Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $19,235
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lawrence
We go over average solar pricing in Lawrence.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lawrence it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lawrence, the average price of going solar will be about $17,543 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Lawrence homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Lawrence for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Lawrence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,066 |
| 3 years | $-13,111 |
| 5 years | $-10,156 |
| 7 years | $-7,201 |
| 9 years | $-4,246 |
| 11 years | $-1,291 |
| 13 years | $1,664 |
| 15 years | $4,619 |
| 17 years | $7,574 |
| 19 years | $10,529 |
| 21 years | $13,484 |
| 23 years | $16,439 |
| 25 years | $19,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Lawrence
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Lawrence, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Lawrence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lawrence
For many Lawrence homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lawrence, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Lawrence, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lawrence, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Lawrence, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $11,552 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,800 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $20,247 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $24,893 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $29,737 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $34,781 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $40,023 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $45,464 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Lawrence, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Lawrence, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lawrence?
The average cost of solar panels in Lawrence is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Lawrence?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lawrence. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lawrence?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Lawrence?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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.