Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Frederick, PA (2024 Update)
- Upper Frederick Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,004
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Frederick
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Upper Frederick.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upper Frederick, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Upper Frederick, the average price of going solar will be about $16,365 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Upper Frederick homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Upper Frederick can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Upper Frederick, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Frederick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,106 |
| 3 years | $-12,588 |
| 5 years | $-10,071 |
| 7 years | $-7,553 |
| 9 years | $-5,036 |
| 11 years | $-2,518 |
| 13 years | $-1 |
| 15 years | $2,517 |
| 17 years | $5,034 |
| 19 years | $7,552 |
| 21 years | $10,069 |
| 23 years | $12,587 |
| 25 years | $15,104 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Frederick
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Upper Frederick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Frederick
The cost of installing a solar system in Upper Frederick can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Upper Frederick, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Upper Frederick to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Upper Frederick, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $7,963 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,015 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,266 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,715 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,364 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,211 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,257 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,502 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Upper Frederick, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Upper Frederick, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Frederick?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Frederick 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 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 in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.