Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Oak, PA (2024 Update)

  • White Oak Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,938
  • Payback Period: 17.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Oak

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in White Oak.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in White Oak, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,320 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in White Oak based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually 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 reputable solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in White Oak

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,683
3 years $-12,410
5 years $-9,136
7 years $-5,862
9 years $-2,588
11 years $686
13 years $3,960
15 years $7,233
17 years $10,507
19 years $13,781
21 years $17,055
23 years $20,329
25 years $23,603

Top Solar Installers in White Oak

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in White Oak:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 White Oak

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Oak

There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in White Oak, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in White Oak, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for White Oak homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in White Oak, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $6,341 17.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $8,852 17.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $11,562 17.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $14,470 16.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $17,578 16.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $20,884 16.0 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $24,389 15.7 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $28,093 15.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in White Oak, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's White Oak, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in White Oak?

The average cost of solar panels in White Oak 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in White Oak?

You can’t get solar panels for free in White Oak. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout White Oak, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact 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 usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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