Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, PA (2024 Update)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $19,081
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Decatur.
In Decatur, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Decatur is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,543 for a solar installation, or $25,086 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Decatur depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Decatur, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,066 |
3 years | $-13,111 |
5 years | $-10,156 |
7 years | $-7,201 |
9 years | $-4,246 |
11 years | $-1,291 |
13 years | $1,664 |
15 years | $4,619 |
17 years | $7,574 |
19 years | $10,529 |
21 years | $13,484 |
23 years | $16,439 |
25 years | $19,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Decatur, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
The cost of installing a solar system in Decatur can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Decatur.The brand and kind of equipment you get 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Most solar companies in Decatur have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $11,420 | 14.4 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,625 | 14.1 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $20,028 | 13.8 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $24,630 | 13.6 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $29,431 | 13.3 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $34,430 | 13.0 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $39,629 | 12.7 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $45,026 | 12.5 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 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 $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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Decatur?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.