Solar Panel Cost Guide in Conestoga, PA (2024 Update)
- Conestoga Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,281
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Conestoga
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Conestoga.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Conestoga generally cost around 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Conestoga, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,331, or $23,353 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Conestoga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,037 |
| 3 years | $-12,449 |
| 5 years | $-9,860 |
| 7 years | $-7,271 |
| 9 years | $-4,683 |
| 11 years | $-2,094 |
| 13 years | $494 |
| 15 years | $3,083 |
| 17 years | $5,671 |
| 19 years | $8,260 |
| 21 years | $10,849 |
| 23 years | $13,437 |
| 25 years | $16,026 |
Top Solar Installers in Conestoga
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Conestoga, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Conestoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Conestoga
The cost of installing a solar system in Conestoga can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant 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 important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 Conestoga.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Conestoga average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Conestoga, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Conestoga’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,328 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,169 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,208 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,446 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,883 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,518 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,353 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,386 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Conestoga, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Conestoga, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Conestoga?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Conestoga have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 higher amount 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.