Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lebanon, PA (2024 Update)
- Lebanon Solar Installation Cost: $16,524
- 25-Year Savings: $13,299
- Payback Period: 16.4 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 Lebanon
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Lebanon.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lebanon is 4 per watt.The average Lebanon homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,524 with the federal tax credit, or $23,629 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Lebanon can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Lebanon for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lebanon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,281 |
| 3 years | $-12,795 |
| 5 years | $-10,309 |
| 7 years | $-7,823 |
| 9 years | $-5,337 |
| 11 years | $-2,851 |
| 13 years | $-365 |
| 15 years | $2,121 |
| 17 years | $4,607 |
| 19 years | $7,093 |
| 21 years | $9,579 |
| 23 years | $12,065 |
| 25 years | $14,551 |
Top Solar Installers in Lebanon
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Lebanon, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lebanon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lebanon
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Lebanon is $16,524, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,550. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lebanon, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Lebanon, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $7,204 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,002 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,000 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,196 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,592 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,186 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,978 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,970 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Lebanon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lebanon?
This is a tough 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.