Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brown, PA (2023 Update)
- Brown Solar Installation Cost: $12,268
- 25-Year Savings: $18,805
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Brown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brown typically cost around 2.55. The average Brown homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,263 with the federal tax credit, or $17,536 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brown find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,790 |
| 3 years | $-7,835 |
| 5 years | $-4,880 |
| 7 years | $-1,926 |
| 9 years | $1,029 |
| 11 years | $3,984 |
| 13 years | $6,939 |
| 15 years | $9,894 |
| 17 years | $12,849 |
| 19 years | $15,804 |
| 21 years | $18,759 |
| 23 years | $21,714 |
| 25 years | $24,669 |
Top Solar Installers in Brown
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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
See all of the solar companies in Brown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brown
For many Brown homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brown, 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Brown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brown is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Brown know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $15,988 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,603 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,361 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,262 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,305 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $45,491 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $51,820 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $58,292 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Brown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brown?
The average cost of solar panels in Brown 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is it worth going solar in Brown?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.