Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitehall, PA (2024 Update)
- Whitehall Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
- 25-Year Savings: $13,036
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitehall
We go over average solar pricing in Whitehall.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whitehall, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Whitehall homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,591 with the federal tax credit, or $23,725 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Whitehall homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Whitehall for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Whitehall
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,348 |
| 3 years | $-12,862 |
| 5 years | $-10,376 |
| 7 years | $-7,890 |
| 9 years | $-5,405 |
| 11 years | $-2,919 |
| 13 years | $-433 |
| 15 years | $2,053 |
| 17 years | $4,539 |
| 19 years | $7,025 |
| 21 years | $9,511 |
| 23 years | $11,997 |
| 25 years | $14,483 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitehall
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Whitehall, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Whitehall
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitehall
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Whitehall: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Whitehall.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Whitehall homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $6,919 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,623 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,525 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,627 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,927 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,426 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,124 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,020 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though 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.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Whitehall, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitehall?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitehall is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Whitehall is currently $282,352, so you can expect a value of about $11,576 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Whitehall is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.