Solar Panel Cost Guide in Susquehanna, PA (2024 Update)
- Susquehanna Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,322
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Susquehanna
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Susquehanna.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Susquehanna it’s 4 per watt.The average Susquehanna homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,690 with the federal tax credit, or $23,867 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Susquehanna can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Susquehanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,345 |
| 3 years | $-12,654 |
| 5 years | $-9,962 |
| 7 years | $-7,271 |
| 9 years | $-4,580 |
| 11 years | $-1,889 |
| 13 years | $802 |
| 15 years | $3,494 |
| 17 years | $6,185 |
| 19 years | $8,876 |
| 21 years | $11,567 |
| 23 years | $14,258 |
| 25 years | $16,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Susquehanna
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Susquehanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Susquehanna
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Susquehanna is $16,690, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Susquehanna average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Susquehanna have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Susquehanna homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Susquehanna’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Susquehanna know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $6,211 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,679 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,346 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,211 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,275 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,539 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,001 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,661 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion 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 Susquehanna, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Susquehanna?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Susquehanna?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Susquehanna. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Susquehanna, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 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 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.