Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Franklin, PA (2024 Update)

  • North Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,723
  • Payback Period: 20.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Franklin

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in North Franklin.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Franklin typically cost about 4.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in North Franklin, the average price of going solar will be about $17,152 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 North Franklin homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $12,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Franklin find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in North Franklin for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in North Franklin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,069
3 years $-13,904
5 years $-11,738
7 years $-9,572
9 years $-7,406
11 years $-5,240
13 years $-3,075
15 years $-909
17 years $1,257
19 years $3,423
21 years $5,589
23 years $7,754
25 years $9,920

Top Solar Installers in North Franklin

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 North Franklin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Franklin

For many North Franklin homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Franklin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in North Franklin.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Franklin average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. North Franklin’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers 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 $2,786 21.2 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $4,112 20.8 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $5,638 20.4 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $7,362 20.0 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $9,284 19.6 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $11,406 19.2 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $13,726 18.7 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $16,245 18.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure 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.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's North Franklin, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Franklin?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Franklin?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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