Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coolbaugh, PA (2024 Update)
- Coolbaugh Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $16,738
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coolbaugh
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Coolbaugh.
In Coolbaugh, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $16,902 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Coolbaugh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,556 |
| 3 years | $-12,865 |
| 5 years | $-10,174 |
| 7 years | $-7,483 |
| 9 years | $-4,792 |
| 11 years | $-2,101 |
| 13 years | $591 |
| 15 years | $3,282 |
| 17 years | $5,973 |
| 19 years | $8,664 |
| 21 years | $11,355 |
| 23 years | $14,047 |
| 25 years | $16,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Coolbaugh
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Coolbaugh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coolbaugh
While the average cost of a solar system in Coolbaugh is $16,902, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Coolbaugh, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Coolbaugh, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Coolbaugh to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Coolbaugh’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,939 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,316 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,892 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,667 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,641 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,813 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,185 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,755 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Coolbaugh, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Coolbaugh?
The average cost of solar panels in Coolbaugh is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Coolbaugh?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 needs 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 household 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.