Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arnold, PA (2024 Update)
- Arnold Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $12,827
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arnold
We break down average solar pricing in Arnold.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Arnold typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Arnold, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,475, or $24,989 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arnold
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,838 |
| 3 years | $-12,564 |
| 5 years | $-9,290 |
| 7 years | $-6,016 |
| 9 years | $-2,742 |
| 11 years | $531 |
| 13 years | $3,805 |
| 15 years | $7,079 |
| 17 years | $10,353 |
| 19 years | $13,627 |
| 21 years | $16,901 |
| 23 years | $20,174 |
| 25 years | $23,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Arnold
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Arnold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arnold
For many Arnold homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Arnold, 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Arnold average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Arnold’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,148 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,594 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,240 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,084 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,128 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,369 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,810 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Arnold, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have 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 Arnold, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arnold?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Arnold?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
Does Arnold have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.