Solar Panel Cost Guide in Damascus, PA (2024 Update)
- Damascus Solar Installation Cost: $17,175
- 25-Year Savings: $13,212
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Damascus
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Damascus.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Damascus, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Damascus homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,175 with the federal tax credit, or $24,560 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Damascus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,816 |
| 3 years | $-13,099 |
| 5 years | $-10,382 |
| 7 years | $-7,664 |
| 9 years | $-4,947 |
| 11 years | $-2,230 |
| 13 years | $488 |
| 15 years | $3,205 |
| 17 years | $5,922 |
| 19 years | $8,640 |
| 21 years | $11,357 |
| 23 years | $14,074 |
| 25 years | $16,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Damascus
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Damascus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Damascus
The cost of installing a solar system in Damascus can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,550. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $6,673 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,295 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,116 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,136 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,354 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,772 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,388 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,203 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Damascus, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Damascus?
The average cost of solar panels in Damascus is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Damascus?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.