Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northwest Harborcreek, PA (2024 Update)
- Northwest Harborcreek Solar Installation Cost: $17,209
- 25-Year Savings: $18,238
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northwest Harborcreek
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Northwest Harborcreek.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northwest Harborcreek, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,209 before the 0 federal solar 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 needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Northwest Harborcreek can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northwest Harborcreek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,732 |
| 3 years | $-12,777 |
| 5 years | $-9,822 |
| 7 years | $-6,867 |
| 9 years | $-3,912 |
| 11 years | $-957 |
| 13 years | $1,998 |
| 15 years | $4,953 |
| 17 years | $7,908 |
| 19 years | $10,863 |
| 21 years | $13,818 |
| 23 years | $16,772 |
| 25 years | $19,727 |
Top Solar Installers in Northwest Harborcreek
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Northwest Harborcreek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northwest Harborcreek
For many Northwest Harborcreek homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Northwest Harborcreek, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Northwest Harborcreek, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Northwest Harborcreek, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 Northwest Harborcreek to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Northwest Harborcreek is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies 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 has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $11,004 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,070 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $19,335 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $23,798 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $28,460 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $33,321 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $38,381 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $43,639 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Northwest Harborcreek, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek?
The average cost of solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.