Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dickson City, PA (2024 Update)
- Dickson City Solar Installation Cost: $17,221
- 25-Year Savings: $11,941
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dickson City
We break down average solar pricing in Dickson City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dickson City it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Dickson City, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,221, or $24,626 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dickson City find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Dickson City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dickson City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,875 |
| 3 years | $-13,184 |
| 5 years | $-10,493 |
| 7 years | $-7,801 |
| 9 years | $-5,110 |
| 11 years | $-2,419 |
| 13 years | $272 |
| 15 years | $2,963 |
| 17 years | $5,655 |
| 19 years | $8,346 |
| 21 years | $11,037 |
| 23 years | $13,728 |
| 25 years | $16,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Dickson City
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dickson City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dickson City
The cost of installing a solar system in Dickson City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 nearly $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dickson City, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dickson City to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Dickson City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $5,542 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,787 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,231 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,874 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,715 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,756 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,995 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,433 | 15.9 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Dickson City, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dickson City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.