Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vernon, PA (2024 Update)
- Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $17,084
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vernon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vernon generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Vernon is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,636 for a solar installation, or $25,219 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Vernon based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Vernon can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Vernon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,159 |
| 3 years | $-13,204 |
| 5 years | $-10,249 |
| 7 years | $-7,294 |
| 9 years | $-4,339 |
| 11 years | $-1,384 |
| 13 years | $1,571 |
| 15 years | $4,526 |
| 17 years | $7,481 |
| 19 years | $10,436 |
| 21 years | $13,390 |
| 23 years | $16,345 |
| 25 years | $19,300 |
Top Solar Installers in Vernon
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Vernon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Vernon homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vernon 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
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Vernon, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Vernon are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $9,646 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,259 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,071 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,081 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,291 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $29,699 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $34,306 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,112 | 13.3 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:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Vernon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vernon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Vernon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Vernon?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.