Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caernarvon, PA (2023 Update)

  • Caernarvon Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,401
  • Payback Period: 11.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caernarvon

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Caernarvon.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Caernarvon, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Caernarvon, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Caernarvon homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Caernarvon, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Caernarvon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,722
3 years $-8,712
5 years $-6,702
7 years $-4,691
9 years $-2,681
11 years $-671
13 years $1,340
15 years $3,350
17 years $5,360
19 years $7,370
21 years $9,381
23 years $11,391
25 years $13,401

Top Solar Installers in Caernarvon

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Caernarvon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caernarvon

Although the average cost of a solar system in Caernarvon is $11,727, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Caernarvon average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Caernarvon, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $11,803 12.1 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,023 11.9 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,386 11.7 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $24,891 11.4 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $29,540 11.2 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $34,331 11.0 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $39,265 10.7 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $44,341 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions 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.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • 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 positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Caernarvon, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Caernarvon?

The average cost of solar panels in Caernarvon 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in Caernarvon?

On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.

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