Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carroll, PA (2024 Update)

  • Carroll Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,232
  • Payback Period: 15.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Carroll

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Carroll.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carroll generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Carroll is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,398 for a solar installation, or $23,449 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Carroll homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Carroll that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Carroll

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,155
3 years $-12,669
5 years $-10,183
7 years $-7,697
9 years $-5,211
11 years $-2,726
13 years $-240
15 years $2,246
17 years $4,732
19 years $7,218
21 years $9,704
23 years $12,190
25 years $14,676

Top Solar Installers in Carroll

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Carroll

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carroll

The cost of installing a solar system in Carroll can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Carroll.The kind 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carroll average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carroll, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Carroll homeowners, they can also increase 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

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Carroll is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $8,143 16.4 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $11,256 16.1 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $14,566 15.8 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $18,076 15.4 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $21,785 15.1 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $25,692 14.8 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $29,798 14.5 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $34,103 14.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts 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:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • 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 big role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

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 Carroll, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carroll?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carroll?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 savings from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s 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% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 home 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.

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