Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem, PA (2024 Update)
- Salem Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $10,140
- Payback Period: 19.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem
We go over average solar pricing in Salem.
The average cost of a solar system in Salem is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,475 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Salem homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $12,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Salem find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Salem that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,304 |
| 3 years | $-13,963 |
| 5 years | $-11,622 |
| 7 years | $-9,281 |
| 9 years | $-6,939 |
| 11 years | $-4,598 |
| 13 years | $-2,257 |
| 15 years | $84 |
| 17 years | $2,425 |
| 19 years | $4,766 |
| 21 years | $7,108 |
| 23 years | $9,449 |
| 25 years | $11,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Salem
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salem
For many Salem homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Salem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Salem.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Salem to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Salem homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Salem, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3,856 | 20.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $5,538 | 19.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $7,420 | 19.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $9,500 | 18.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $11,779 | 18.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $14,257 | 18.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $16,934 | 17.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $19,810 | 17.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Salem, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Salem, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salem?
The average cost of solar panels in Salem 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Salem?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Salem?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.