Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allen, PA (2023 Update)
- Allen Solar Installation Cost: $11,977
- 25-Year Savings: $12,977
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allen
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Allen.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Allen it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,977 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Allen find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Allen, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,979 |
| 3 years | $-8,983 |
| 5 years | $-6,987 |
| 7 years | $-4,990 |
| 9 years | $-2,994 |
| 11 years | $-998 |
| 13 years | $999 |
| 15 years | $2,995 |
| 17 years | $4,991 |
| 19 years | $6,988 |
| 21 years | $8,984 |
| 23 years | $10,980 |
| 25 years | $12,977 |
Top Solar Installers in Allen
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Allen, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allen
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Allen: 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 significant 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Allen. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Allen, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Allen is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,188 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,202 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,360 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,660 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,103 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,689 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,418 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,290 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Allen?
The average cost of solar panels in Allen 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 things like the model 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 Allen?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 long do solar panels last in Allen?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.