Solar Panel Cost Guide in Old Forge, PA (2024 Update)
- Old Forge Solar Installation Cost: $17,221
- 25-Year Savings: $11,941
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Old Forge
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Old Forge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Old Forge it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Old Forge, the average price of going solar will be about $17,221 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Old Forge find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Old Forge, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Old Forge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,875 |
| 3 years | $-13,184 |
| 5 years | $-10,493 |
| 7 years | $-7,801 |
| 9 years | $-5,110 |
| 11 years | $-2,419 |
| 13 years | $272 |
| 15 years | $2,963 |
| 17 years | $5,655 |
| 19 years | $8,346 |
| 21 years | $11,037 |
| 23 years | $13,728 |
| 25 years | $16,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Old Forge
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Old Forge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Old Forge
Although the average cost of a solar system in Old Forge is $17,221, your final 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 crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Old Forge, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Old Forge, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Old Forge homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Old Forge, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. 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 | $5,542 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,787 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,231 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,874 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,715 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,756 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,995 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,433 | 15.9 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- 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.
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 Old Forge, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Old Forge?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Old Forge?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Old Forge have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Old Forge?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.