Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benner, PA (2024 Update)
- Benner Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $11,877
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benner
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Benner.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Benner it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Benner is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,416 for a solar installation, or $24,905 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Benner depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Benner see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Benner, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,202 |
| 3 years | $-13,773 |
| 5 years | $-11,344 |
| 7 years | $-8,915 |
| 9 years | $-6,486 |
| 11 years | $-4,057 |
| 13 years | $-1,629 |
| 15 years | $800 |
| 17 years | $3,229 |
| 19 years | $5,658 |
| 21 years | $8,087 |
| 23 years | $10,516 |
| 25 years | $12,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Benner
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Benner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benner
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Benner, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Benner, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Benner offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Benner, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,371 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,559 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,946 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,531 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,316 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,299 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,481 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $24,861 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Benner, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
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 Benner, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benner?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Benner?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.