Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paupack, PA (2024 Update)
- Paupack Solar Installation Cost: $17,175
- 25-Year Savings: $12,231
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paupack
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Paupack.
In Paupack, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Paupack, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,175, or $24,560 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Paupack homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Paupack see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paupack
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,855 |
| 3 years | $-13,215 |
| 5 years | $-10,575 |
| 7 years | $-7,935 |
| 9 years | $-5,296 |
| 11 years | $-2,656 |
| 13 years | $-16 |
| 15 years | $2,624 |
| 17 years | $5,264 |
| 19 years | $7,904 |
| 21 years | $10,544 |
| 23 years | $13,184 |
| 25 years | $15,823 |
Top Solar Installers in Paupack
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, 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 and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Paupack
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paupack
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Paupack, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Paupack’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,821 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,160 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,696 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,432 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,367 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,500 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $22,832 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,363 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Paupack, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paupack?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Paupack?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Paupack. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.