Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middle Smithfield, PA (2024 Update)
- Middle Smithfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $13,089
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middle Smithfield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Middle Smithfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middle Smithfield it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Middle Smithfield, the average price of going solar will be about $16,902 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Middle Smithfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Middle Smithfield find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middle Smithfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,659 |
| 3 years | $-13,173 |
| 5 years | $-10,687 |
| 7 years | $-8,201 |
| 9 years | $-5,715 |
| 11 years | $-3,229 |
| 13 years | $-743 |
| 15 years | $1,743 |
| 17 years | $4,229 |
| 19 years | $6,715 |
| 21 years | $9,201 |
| 23 years | $11,687 |
| 25 years | $14,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Middle Smithfield
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Middle Smithfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middle Smithfield
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Middle Smithfield is $16,902, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Middle Smithfield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Middle Smithfield to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Middle Smithfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $6,750 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,397 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,243 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,289 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,532 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,975 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,617 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,457 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Middle Smithfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middle Smithfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Middle Smithfield 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Middle Smithfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Middle Smithfield. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.