Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn Estates, PA (2024 Update)
- Penn Estates Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,813
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn Estates
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Penn Estates.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Penn Estates it’s 4 per watt.The average Penn Estates homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,902 with the federal tax credit, or $24,170 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Penn Estates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,659 |
| 3 years | $-13,173 |
| 5 years | $-10,687 |
| 7 years | $-8,201 |
| 9 years | $-5,715 |
| 11 years | $-3,229 |
| 13 years | $-743 |
| 15 years | $1,743 |
| 17 years | $4,229 |
| 19 years | $6,715 |
| 21 years | $9,201 |
| 23 years | $11,687 |
| 25 years | $14,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn Estates
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Penn Estates:
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 Penn Estates
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn Estates
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Penn Estates is $16,902, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Penn Estates offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise 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 Penn Estates is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.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 provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $6,506 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,073 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,838 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,802 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,965 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,327 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,887 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,646 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Penn Estates, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Penn Estates?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Penn Estates is currently $258,699, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,607 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Penn Estates is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Penn Estates?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.