Solar Panel Cost Guide in Conestoga, PA (2023 Update)
- Conestoga Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $13,285
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Conestoga
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Conestoga.
In Conestoga, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Conestoga homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,727 with the federal tax credit, or $16,770 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Conestoga homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Conestoga homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Conestoga for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Conestoga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,727 |
| 3 years | $-8,726 |
| 5 years | $-6,725 |
| 7 years | $-4,724 |
| 9 years | $-2,723 |
| 11 years | $-722 |
| 13 years | $1,279 |
| 15 years | $3,280 |
| 17 years | $5,281 |
| 19 years | $7,282 |
| 21 years | $9,283 |
| 23 years | $11,284 |
| 25 years | $13,285 |
Top Solar Installers in Conestoga
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Conestoga:
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 Conestoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Conestoga
For many Conestoga homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Conestoga, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Conestoga, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Conestoga, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Conestoga's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,696 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,881 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,208 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,678 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,291 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,046 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,945 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,986 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Conestoga, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Conestoga?
The average cost of solar panels in Conestoga 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Conestoga?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Conestoga?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.