Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, PA (Mar 2023)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $12,602
- 25-Year Savings: $19,080
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Decatur.
The average cost of a solar system in Decatur is 2.55 per watt. Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Decatur, the average price of going solar will be about $12,602 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Decatur depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Decatur homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Decatur for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,335 |
| 3 years | $-8,800 |
| 5 years | $-6,266 |
| 7 years | $-3,731 |
| 9 years | $-1,197 |
| 11 years | $1,338 |
| 13 years | $3,873 |
| 15 years | $6,407 |
| 17 years | $8,942 |
| 19 years | $11,476 |
| 21 years | $14,011 |
| 23 years | $16,545 |
| 25 years | $19,080 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Decatur: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use 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 kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Decatur provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Decatur's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better 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 down 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $15,788 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,337 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,028 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $32,862 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $38,839 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $44,958 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $51,221 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $57,626 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy 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.
- 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 project timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Decatur, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Decatur?
The average cost of solar panels in Decatur is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Decatur?
You can't get solar panels for free in Decatur. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $897.56 per year.
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 level 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.