Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandy, PA (2024 Update)
- Sandy Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $16,837
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandy
We go over average solar pricing in Sandy.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sandy, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Sandy, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,543, or $25,086 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sandy 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.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sandy find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sandy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,066 |
| 3 years | $-13,111 |
| 5 years | $-10,156 |
| 7 years | $-7,201 |
| 9 years | $-4,246 |
| 11 years | $-1,291 |
| 13 years | $1,664 |
| 15 years | $4,619 |
| 17 years | $7,574 |
| 19 years | $10,529 |
| 21 years | $13,484 |
| 23 years | $16,439 |
| 25 years | $19,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandy
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sandy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandy
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sandy: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,550. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sandy average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sandy to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Sandy, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,513 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,082 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,850 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $20,816 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $24,981 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $29,345 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $33,908 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $38,669 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Sandy, 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:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project 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 Sandy, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sandy?
The average cost of solar panels in Sandy 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sandy, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Sandy?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.