Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caln, PA (2023 Update)
- Caln Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $14,388
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caln
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Caln.
In Caln, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Caln, the average price of going solar will be about $11,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Caln that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Caln
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,631 |
| 3 years | $-8,546 |
| 5 years | $-6,462 |
| 7 years | $-4,377 |
| 9 years | $-2,292 |
| 11 years | $-207 |
| 13 years | $1,878 |
| 15 years | $3,963 |
| 17 years | $6,048 |
| 19 years | $8,133 |
| 21 years | $10,218 |
| 23 years | $12,303 |
| 25 years | $14,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Caln
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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
See all of the solar companies in Caln
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caln
The cost of installing a solar system in Caln can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Caln, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Caln homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Caln, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,781 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,326 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,015 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,846 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,820 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,937 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,197 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,600 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Caln, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Caln?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Caln?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Caln?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.