Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dickinson, PA (2023 Update)
- Dickinson Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $14,961
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dickinson
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dickinson.
The average cost of a solar system in Dickinson is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Dickinson, the average price of going solar will be about $11,888 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Dickinson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dickinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,814 |
| 3 years | $-8,666 |
| 5 years | $-6,518 |
| 7 years | $-4,370 |
| 9 years | $-2,222 |
| 11 years | $-74 |
| 13 years | $2,074 |
| 15 years | $4,221 |
| 17 years | $6,369 |
| 19 years | $8,517 |
| 21 years | $10,665 |
| 23 years | $12,813 |
| 25 years | $14,961 |
Top Solar Installers in Dickinson
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Dickinson, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Dickinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dickinson
Though the average cost of a solar system in Dickinson is $11,888, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Dickinson, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,041 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,674 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,449 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,368 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,429 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,632 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,979 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,469 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Dickinson, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dickinson?
The average cost of solar panels in Dickinson 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Dickinson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dickinson. However, you may still be able to afford 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Dickinson?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Dickinson?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.