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

  • Carroll Valley Solar Installation Cost: $16,467
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,876
  • Payback Period: 16.7 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 Valley

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Carroll Valley.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Carroll Valley is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,467 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Carroll Valley depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Carroll Valley homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

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

Solar savings over time in Carroll Valley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,224
3 years $-12,738
5 years $-10,252
7 years $-7,766
9 years $-5,280
11 years $-2,794
13 years $-308
15 years $2,178
17 years $4,664
19 years $7,150
21 years $9,636
23 years $12,122
25 years $14,608

Top Solar Installers in Carroll Valley

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Valley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carroll Valley

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Carroll Valley: 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

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Carroll Valley, one of the most important 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 power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 opt for 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 over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carroll Valley average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Carroll Valley, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Carroll Valley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $6,862 17.3 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,547 17.0 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,430 16.7 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $15,513 16.3 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $18,794 16.0 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $22,274 15.7 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $25,953 15.3 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $29,830 15.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.

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 Valley, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Carroll Valley is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Carroll Valley?

Solar panels aren’t free in Carroll Valley, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $745.60 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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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