Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsport, PA (2024 Update)
- Williamsport Solar Installation Cost: $17,499
- 25-Year Savings: $13,837
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsport
We break down average solar pricing in Williamsport.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Williamsport, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Williamsport, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,499, or $25,024 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Williamsport homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Williamsport homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamsport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,127 |
| 3 years | $-13,383 |
| 5 years | $-10,639 |
| 7 years | $-7,895 |
| 9 years | $-5,151 |
| 11 years | $-2,407 |
| 13 years | $337 |
| 15 years | $3,081 |
| 17 years | $5,825 |
| 19 years | $8,569 |
| 21 years | $11,313 |
| 23 years | $14,057 |
| 25 years | $16,801 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamsport
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Williamsport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsport
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Williamsport: 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $6,994 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,723 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,650 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,777 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,102 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,626 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,349 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,271 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Williamsport, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williamsport?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Williamsport?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Williamsport, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Williamsport is currently $189,589, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,773 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Williamsport is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for 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 install 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.