Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Frederick, PA (2024 Update)
- Lower Frederick Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,045
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Frederick
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lower Frederick.
In Lower Frederick, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Lower Frederick is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,365 for a solar installation, or $23,402 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Lower Frederick can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Frederick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,084 |
| 3 years | $-12,523 |
| 5 years | $-9,962 |
| 7 years | $-7,401 |
| 9 years | $-4,840 |
| 11 years | $-2,280 |
| 13 years | $281 |
| 15 years | $2,842 |
| 17 years | $5,403 |
| 19 years | $7,964 |
| 21 years | $10,525 |
| 23 years | $13,086 |
| 25 years | $15,647 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Frederick
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lower Frederick, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Lower Frederick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Frederick
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Lower Frederick: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lower Frederick, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lower Frederick to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lower Frederick, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,000 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,064 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,327 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,789 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,450 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,309 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,368 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,625 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Lower Frederick, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lower Frederick?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Frederick 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lower Frederick?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lower Frederick is currently $442,422, which means you can expect a value of about $18,139 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lower Frederick is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.