Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Macungie, PA (2024 Update)
- Upper Macungie Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
- 25-Year Savings: $12,822
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Macungie
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Upper Macungie.
In Upper Macungie, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Upper Macungie is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,591 for a solar installation, or $23,725 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Upper Macungie for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Upper Macungie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,297 |
| 3 years | $-12,708 |
| 5 years | $-10,120 |
| 7 years | $-7,531 |
| 9 years | $-4,943 |
| 11 years | $-2,354 |
| 13 years | $234 |
| 15 years | $2,823 |
| 17 years | $5,412 |
| 19 years | $8,000 |
| 21 years | $10,589 |
| 23 years | $13,177 |
| 25 years | $15,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Macungie
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Upper Macungie, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Upper Macungie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Macungie
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Upper Macungie is $16,591, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Upper Macungie, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Upper Macungie homeowners, they can also raise 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 hire to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Upper Macungie’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $6,726 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,366 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,204 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,241 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,477 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,912 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,546 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,378 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project 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 Upper Macungie, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Macungie?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Macungie 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Upper Macungie have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.