Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palmer Heights, PA (2024 Update)
- Palmer Heights Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
- 25-Year Savings: $12,983
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palmer Heights
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Palmer Heights.
In Palmer Heights, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Palmer Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $16,665 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Palmer Heights homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palmer Heights
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,422 |
3 years | $-12,936 |
5 years | $-10,450 |
7 years | $-7,964 |
9 years | $-5,478 |
11 years | $-2,992 |
13 years | $-506 |
15 years | $1,980 |
17 years | $4,466 |
19 years | $6,952 |
21 years | $9,438 |
23 years | $11,923 |
25 years | $14,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Palmer Heights
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Palmer Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palmer Heights
While the average cost of a solar system in Palmer Heights is $16,665, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Palmer Heights.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Palmer Heights to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Palmer Heights is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Palmer Heights know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $6,820 | 17.4 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,490 | 17.0 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,360 | 16.7 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,428 | 16.4 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,695 | 16.0 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,161 | 15.7 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,826 | 15.4 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,690 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Palmer Heights, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Palmer Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Palmer Heights 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 cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $744.20 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Palmer Heights?
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 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.