Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colonial Park, PA (Mar 2023)
- Colonial Park Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $12,744
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colonial Park
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Colonial Park.
In Colonial Park, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Colonial Park, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,995, or $17,153 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Colonial Park homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Colonial Park for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Colonial Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,006 |
| 3 years | $-9,026 |
| 5 years | $-7,047 |
| 7 years | $-5,068 |
| 9 years | $-3,089 |
| 11 years | $-1,110 |
| 13 years | $869 |
| 15 years | $2,849 |
| 17 years | $4,828 |
| 19 years | $6,807 |
| 21 years | $8,786 |
| 23 years | $10,765 |
| 25 years | $12,744 |
Top Solar Installers in Colonial Park
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. 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 apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Colonial Park, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Colonial Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colonial Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Colonial Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home 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 a solar energy system in Colonial Park, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Colonial Park average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Colonial Park provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Colonial Park, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,962 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,902 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,984 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,209 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,577 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,088 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,742 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,538 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Colonial Park, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Colonial Park?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Colonial Park?
You can't get solar panels for free in Colonial Park. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $736.68 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 uses 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 house 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.