Solar Panel Cost Guide in Danville, PA (2023 Update)
- Danville Solar Installation Cost: $12,352
- 25-Year Savings: $11,959
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Danville
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Danville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Danville it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Danville is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,352 for a solar installation, or $17,663 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Danville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Danville homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Danville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Danville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,380 |
| 3 years | $-9,435 |
| 5 years | $-7,490 |
| 7 years | $-5,545 |
| 9 years | $-3,600 |
| 11 years | $-1,655 |
| 13 years | $289 |
| 15 years | $2,234 |
| 17 years | $4,179 |
| 19 years | $6,124 |
| 21 years | $8,069 |
| 23 years | $10,014 |
| 25 years | $11,959 |
Top Solar Installers in Danville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Danville:
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 Danville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Danville
For many Danville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Danville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 $2,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Danville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Danville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Danville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Danville know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $9,950 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,553 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,298 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,186 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,216 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,390 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,706 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $38,166 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Danville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Danville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Danville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Danville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.