Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dallastown, PA (2024 Update)
- Dallastown Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $15,365
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dallastown
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Dallastown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dallastown it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,398 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dallastown
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,155 |
3 years | $-12,669 |
5 years | $-10,183 |
7 years | $-7,697 |
9 years | $-5,211 |
11 years | $-2,726 |
13 years | $-240 |
15 years | $2,246 |
17 years | $4,732 |
19 years | $7,218 |
21 years | $9,704 |
23 years | $12,190 |
25 years | $14,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Dallastown
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Dallastown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dallastown
For many Dallastown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dallastown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dallastown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Dallastown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more 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 promotion 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 | $9,174 | 15.7 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,630 | 15.4 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,284 | 15.1 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $20,137 | 14.8 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $24,189 | 14.5 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,440 | 14.2 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,889 | 13.9 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,538 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Dallastown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dallastown?
The average cost of solar panels in Dallastown 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dallastown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.