Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dallastown, PA (2023 Update)
- Dallastown Solar Installation Cost: $11,779
- 25-Year Savings: $15,365
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dallastown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Dallastown.
In Dallastown, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dallastown, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,781, or $16,847 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Dallastown homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dallastown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,689 |
| 3 years | $-11,508 |
| 5 years | $-11,327 |
| 7 years | $-11,146 |
| 9 years | $-10,965 |
| 11 years | $-10,784 |
| 13 years | $-10,603 |
| 15 years | $-10,422 |
| 17 years | $-10,241 |
| 19 years | $-10,060 |
| 21 years | $-9,879 |
| 23 years | $-9,698 |
| 25 years | $-9,517 |
Top Solar Installers in Dallastown
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dallastown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dallastown
The cost of installing a solar system in Dallastown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Dallastown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Dallastown homeowners decide 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dallastown is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Dallastown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $13,542 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,342 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,284 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,369 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,597 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,968 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,481 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $50,138 | 9.8 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Dallastown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dallastown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dallastown?
Solar panels aren't free in Dallastown, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $822.68 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.