Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arnold, PA (Mar 2023)
- Arnold Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $12,830
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arnold
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Arnold.
In Arnold, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs 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 $12,549, or $17,945 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Arnold can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Arnold, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arnold
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,533 |
| 3 years | $-9,503 |
| 5 years | $-7,473 |
| 7 years | $-5,442 |
| 9 years | $-3,412 |
| 11 years | $-1,382 |
| 13 years | $649 |
| 15 years | $2,679 |
| 17 years | $4,709 |
| 19 years | $6,739 |
| 21 years | $8,770 |
| 23 years | $10,800 |
| 25 years | $12,830 |
Top Solar Installers in Arnold
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Arnold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arnold
For many Arnold homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests 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 various factors that considerably 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 installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Arnold, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $10,516 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,306 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,240 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,316 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,536 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,897 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,402 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,050 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Arnold, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arnold?
The average cost of solar panels in Arnold 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Arnold?
You can't get solar panels for free in Arnold. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $721.80 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.