Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesboro, PA (2024 Update)
- Waynesboro Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $9,151
- Payback Period: 19.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesboro
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Waynesboro.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waynesboro generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Waynesboro is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,556 for a solar installation, or $23,675 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Waynesboro depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Waynesboro, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waynesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,473 |
| 3 years | $-13,308 |
| 5 years | $-11,142 |
| 7 years | $-8,976 |
| 9 years | $-6,810 |
| 11 years | $-4,644 |
| 13 years | $-2,478 |
| 15 years | $-313 |
| 17 years | $1,853 |
| 19 years | $4,019 |
| 21 years | $6,185 |
| 23 years | $8,351 |
| 25 years | $10,516 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesboro
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Waynesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesboro
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Waynesboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss 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. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waynesboro to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Waynesboro is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $3,445 | 20.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,991 | 20.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $6,735 | 19.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $8,679 | 19.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $10,821 | 18.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $13,162 | 18.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $15,702 | 18.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $18,441 | 17.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Waynesboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Waynesboro, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waynesboro?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Waynesboro?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Waynesboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Waynesboro, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.