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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Salem it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Salem, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,475, or $24,989 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Salem homeowner can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
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 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
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 adopt solar energy 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Salem, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Salem, 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 choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Salem’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Salem know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Salem?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Salem have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.