Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brown, PA (2024 Update)
- Brown Solar Installation Cost: $17,079
- 25-Year Savings: $18,805
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brown
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Brown.
The average cost of a solar system in Brown is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,079 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Brown can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Brown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,601 |
| 3 years | $-12,646 |
| 5 years | $-9,691 |
| 7 years | $-6,736 |
| 9 years | $-3,781 |
| 11 years | $-827 |
| 13 years | $2,128 |
| 15 years | $5,083 |
| 17 years | $8,038 |
| 19 years | $10,993 |
| 21 years | $13,948 |
| 23 years | $16,903 |
| 25 years | $19,858 |
Top Solar Installers in Brown
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Brown, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brown
The cost of installing a solar system in Brown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Brown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Brown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise 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 company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Brown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $11,620 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,891 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $20,361 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $25,030 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $29,897 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $34,963 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $40,228 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $45,692 | 12.4 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brown?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Brown, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Brown?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.