Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ralpho, PA (2024 Update)
- Ralpho Solar Installation Cost: $17,125
- 25-Year Savings: $12,010
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ralpho
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ralpho.
The average cost of solar panels in Ralpho is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Ralpho is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,125 for a solar installation, or $24,489 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ralpho find going solar can pay off big.
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 Ralpho
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,780 |
| 3 years | $-13,088 |
| 5 years | $-10,397 |
| 7 years | $-7,706 |
| 9 years | $-5,015 |
| 11 years | $-2,324 |
| 13 years | $368 |
| 15 years | $3,059 |
| 17 years | $5,750 |
| 19 years | $8,441 |
| 21 years | $11,132 |
| 23 years | $13,823 |
| 25 years | $16,515 |
Top Solar Installers in Ralpho
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ralpho
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ralpho
The cost of installing a solar system in Ralpho can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Ralpho.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ralpho, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ralpho homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Ralpho, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Ralpho have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $5,660 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,944 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,427 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,108 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,989 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,068 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $22,346 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,823 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Ralpho, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Ralpho, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ralpho?
The average cost of solar panels in Ralpho 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 things like the kind 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 key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $705.53 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Ralpho?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.