Solar Panel Cost Guide in Adams, PA (2023 Update)
- Adams Solar Installation Cost: $12,470
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Adams
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Adams.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Adams it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Adams is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,477 for a solar installation, or $17,842 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Adams homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Adams
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,384 |
| 3 years | $-12,211 |
| 5 years | $-12,038 |
| 7 years | $-11,866 |
| 9 years | $-11,693 |
| 11 years | $-11,520 |
| 13 years | $-11,348 |
| 15 years | $-11,175 |
| 17 years | $-11,002 |
| 19 years | $-10,829 |
| 21 years | $-10,657 |
| 23 years | $-10,484 |
| 25 years | $-10,311 |
Top Solar Installers in Adams
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Adams
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Adams
For many Adams homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Adams, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Adams. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Adams average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Adams to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, 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 more than the principal 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
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Adams, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,113 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,103 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,235 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,511 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,929 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,490 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,194 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,041 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Adams, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Adams, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Adams?
The average cost of solar panels in Adams is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Adams?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 the average daily 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 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.