Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hazleton, PA (2024 Update)
- West Hazleton Solar Installation Cost: $17,265
- 25-Year Savings: $11,909
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hazleton
We go over average solar pricing in West Hazleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Hazleton it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Hazleton, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,265, or $24,689 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Hazleton see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in West Hazleton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Hazleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,919 |
| 3 years | $-13,228 |
| 5 years | $-10,537 |
| 7 years | $-7,845 |
| 9 years | $-5,154 |
| 11 years | $-2,463 |
| 13 years | $228 |
| 15 years | $2,919 |
| 17 years | $5,611 |
| 19 years | $8,302 |
| 21 years | $10,993 |
| 23 years | $13,684 |
| 25 years | $16,375 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hazleton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 West Hazleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hazleton
For many West Hazleton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Hazleton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Hazleton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 West Hazleton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Hazleton is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,489 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,716 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,142 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,767 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,590 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,613 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,834 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,254 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 West Hazleton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Hazleton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Hazleton?
Solar panels aren’t free in West Hazleton, 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 energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Hazleton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy 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.