Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benner, PA (Feb 2023)
- Benner Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $11,874
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated January 20, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benner
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Benner.
In Benner, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average Benner homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,513, or $9,260 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,537 |
| 3 years | $-9,586 |
| 5 years | $-7,635 |
| 7 years | $-5,685 |
| 9 years | $-3,734 |
| 11 years | $-1,783 |
| 13 years | $168 |
| 15 years | $2,119 |
| 17 years | $4,070 |
| 19 years | $6,021 |
| 21 years | $7,972 |
| 23 years | $9,923 |
| 25 years | $11,874 |
Top Solar Installers in Benner
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Benner:
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 Benner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benner
For many Benner homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Benner, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Benner. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Benner homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Benner are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,739 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,271 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $16,946 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $20,763 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $24,724 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $28,827 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,073 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $37,461 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify 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
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 Benner, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benner?
The average cost of solar panels in Benner 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Benner?
A solar panel system isn't free in Benner, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Benner is currently $261,179, which means you can expect a value of about $10,708 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Benner is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Benner?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.