Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shippensburg, PA (2024 Update)
- Shippensburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $14,034
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shippensburg
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Shippensburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shippensburg typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Shippensburg, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,556, or $23,675 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Shippensburg depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shippensburg find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shippensburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,313 |
| 3 years | $-12,827 |
| 5 years | $-10,341 |
| 7 years | $-7,855 |
| 9 years | $-5,369 |
| 11 years | $-2,883 |
| 13 years | $-397 |
| 15 years | $2,089 |
| 17 years | $4,574 |
| 19 years | $7,060 |
| 21 years | $9,546 |
| 23 years | $12,032 |
| 25 years | $14,518 |
Top Solar Installers in Shippensburg
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Shippensburg:
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 Shippensburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shippensburg
For many Shippensburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Shippensburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Shippensburg, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Shippensburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Shippensburg have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Shippensburg 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 solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Shippensburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. 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 | $7,842 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,854 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,064 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,474 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,082 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,889 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,894 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,099 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Shippensburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shippensburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Shippensburg?
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 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Shippensburg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.