Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polk, PA (2024 Update)
- Polk Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,537
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polk
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Polk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Polk it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Polk is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,902 for a solar installation, or $24,170 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Polk can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Polk, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Polk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,597 |
| 3 years | $-12,988 |
| 5 years | $-10,379 |
| 7 years | $-7,770 |
| 9 years | $-5,161 |
| 11 years | $-2,552 |
| 13 years | $57 |
| 15 years | $2,666 |
| 17 years | $5,275 |
| 19 years | $7,884 |
| 21 years | $10,493 |
| 23 years | $13,103 |
| 25 years | $15,712 |
Top Solar Installers in Polk
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Polk:
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 Polk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Polk
For many Polk homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Polk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Polk homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Polk, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $6,263 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,749 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,433 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,316 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,397 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,678 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,157 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,836 | 15.4 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although 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 offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Polk, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Polk?
The average cost of solar panels in Polk is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type 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?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.