Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brown, PA (Mar 2023)
- Brown Solar Installation Cost: $12,263
- 25-Year Savings: $18,810
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brown, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. 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 actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Brown based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brown find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Brown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,020 |
| 3 years | $-8,534 |
| 5 years | $-6,048 |
| 7 years | $-3,563 |
| 9 years | $-1,077 |
| 11 years | $1,409 |
| 13 years | $3,895 |
| 15 years | $6,381 |
| 17 years | $8,866 |
| 19 years | $11,352 |
| 21 years | $13,838 |
| 23 years | $16,324 |
| 25 years | $18,810 |
Top Solar Installers in Brown
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Brown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brown
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Brown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, 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 just need panels, your system will be much 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 out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Brown, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Brown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Brown?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.