Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, PA (2023 Update)
- Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $14,398
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlisle
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Carlisle.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carlisle generally cost around 2.55. The average Carlisle homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,888 with the federal tax credit, or $17,000 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Carlisle homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carlisle find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Carlisle that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carlisle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,837 |
| 3 years | $-8,734 |
| 5 years | $-6,631 |
| 7 years | $-4,528 |
| 9 years | $-2,425 |
| 11 years | $-322 |
| 13 years | $1,781 |
| 15 years | $3,884 |
| 17 years | $5,987 |
| 19 years | $8,090 |
| 21 years | $10,193 |
| 23 years | $12,295 |
| 25 years | $14,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlisle
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Carlisle:
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 Carlisle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlisle
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Carlisle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Carlisle, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carlisle to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Carlisle homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Carlisle, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Carlisle are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,534 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,998 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,605 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,354 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,246 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,281 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,459 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,779 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Carlisle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Carlisle, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carlisle?
The average cost of solar panels in Carlisle 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carlisle?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Carlisle?
Even 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 choose to 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.