Solar Panel Cost Guide in Audubon, PA (2023 Update)
- Audubon Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Audubon
We break down average solar pricing in Audubon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Audubon it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,763 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Audubon see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Audubon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Audubon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,666 |
| 3 years | $-11,488 |
| 5 years | $-11,311 |
| 7 years | $-11,133 |
| 9 years | $-10,955 |
| 11 years | $-10,778 |
| 13 years | $-10,600 |
| 15 years | $-10,423 |
| 17 years | $-10,245 |
| 19 years | $-10,067 |
| 21 years | $-9,890 |
| 23 years | $-9,712 |
| 25 years | $-9,534 |
Top Solar Installers in Audubon
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Audubon, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Audubon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Audubon
For many Audubon homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Audubon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly 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. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Audubon have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Audubon is the company you hire to install your solar panel 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 for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $13,139 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,804 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,612 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,562 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,656 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,892 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,271 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,793 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Audubon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Audubon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Audubon?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Audubon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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 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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.