Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tamaqua, PA (2024 Update)
- Tamaqua Solar Installation Cost: $16,864
- 25-Year Savings: $12,197
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tamaqua
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Tamaqua.
In Tamaqua, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Tamaqua, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,864, or $24,116 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tamaqua find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Tamaqua that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tamaqua
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,519 |
| 3 years | $-12,828 |
| 5 years | $-10,136 |
| 7 years | $-7,445 |
| 9 years | $-4,754 |
| 11 years | $-2,063 |
| 13 years | $628 |
| 15 years | $3,320 |
| 17 years | $6,011 |
| 19 years | $8,702 |
| 21 years | $11,393 |
| 23 years | $14,084 |
| 25 years | $16,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Tamaqua
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Tamaqua:
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 Tamaqua
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tamaqua
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 Tamaqua: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 about $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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tamaqua average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tamaqua to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Tamaqua homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Tamaqua’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $5,987 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,380 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,972 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,763 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,753 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,941 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,328 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,914 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Tamaqua, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tamaqua?
The average cost of solar panels in Tamaqua 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tamaqua?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Tamaqua. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $716.44 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.