Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sanatoga, PA (2024 Update)
- Sanatoga Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,367
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sanatoga
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Sanatoga.
In Sanatoga, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Sanatoga homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,365 with the federal tax credit, or $23,402 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Sanatoga homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Sanatoga, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sanatoga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,122 |
| 3 years | $-12,636 |
| 5 years | $-10,150 |
| 7 years | $-7,664 |
| 9 years | $-5,178 |
| 11 years | $-2,692 |
| 13 years | $-206 |
| 15 years | $2,280 |
| 17 years | $4,766 |
| 19 years | $7,252 |
| 21 years | $9,738 |
| 23 years | $12,224 |
| 25 years | $14,710 |
Top Solar Installers in Sanatoga
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Sanatoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sanatoga
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $8,293 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,455 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,816 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,375 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,134 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,091 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,247 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,601 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Sanatoga, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sanatoga?
The average cost of solar panels in Sanatoga is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors 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 Sanatoga?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Sanatoga have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally 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.