Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caernarvon, PA (2024 Update)
- Caernarvon Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,398
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caernarvon
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Caernarvon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Caernarvon, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Caernarvon is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,331 for a solar installation, or $23,353 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Caernarvon find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Caernarvon for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Caernarvon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,037 |
| 3 years | $-12,449 |
| 5 years | $-9,860 |
| 7 years | $-7,271 |
| 9 years | $-4,683 |
| 11 years | $-2,094 |
| 13 years | $494 |
| 15 years | $3,083 |
| 17 years | $5,671 |
| 19 years | $8,260 |
| 21 years | $10,849 |
| 23 years | $13,437 |
| 25 years | $16,026 |
Top Solar Installers in Caernarvon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Caernarvon, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Caernarvon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caernarvon
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Caernarvon: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Caernarvon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Caernarvon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Caernarvon homeowners, they can also raise 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 remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Caernarvon, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Caernarvon are more knowledgeable 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,435 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,311 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,386 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,659 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,132 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,803 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,673 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,741 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: 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 the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Caernarvon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Caernarvon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Caernarvon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Caernarvon?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Caernarvon?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.