Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carbondale, PA (2024 Update)
- Carbondale Solar Installation Cost: $17,221
- 25-Year Savings: $15,085
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carbondale
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Carbondale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carbondale it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Carbondale is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,221 for a solar installation, or $24,626 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Carbondale homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Carbondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,743 |
| 3 years | $-12,788 |
| 5 years | $-9,833 |
| 7 years | $-6,878 |
| 9 years | $-3,923 |
| 11 years | $-968 |
| 13 years | $1,987 |
| 15 years | $4,942 |
| 17 years | $7,896 |
| 19 years | $10,851 |
| 21 years | $13,806 |
| 23 years | $16,761 |
| 25 years | $19,716 |
Top Solar Installers in Carbondale
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Carbondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carbondale
There are a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carbondale to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Carbondale, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,265 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,417 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,769 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,319 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,068 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,015 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,162 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,507 | 14.1 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates 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
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 Carbondale, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carbondale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient 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 expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Carbondale have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.