Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglass, PA (2024 Update)
- Douglass Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $13,944
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglass
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Douglass.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Douglass it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Douglass, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,365, or $23,402 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Douglass can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Douglass for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Douglass
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,122 |
| 3 years | $-12,636 |
| 5 years | $-10,150 |
| 7 years | $-7,664 |
| 9 years | $-5,178 |
| 11 years | $-2,692 |
| 13 years | $-206 |
| 15 years | $2,280 |
| 17 years | $4,766 |
| 19 years | $7,252 |
| 21 years | $9,738 |
| 23 years | $12,224 |
| 25 years | $14,710 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglass
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Douglass
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglass
The cost of installing a solar system in Douglass can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production 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 $3,550.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Douglass, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Douglass homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Douglass homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Douglass, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due 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 lower 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 | $7,908 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,941 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,174 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,605 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,235 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,063 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,091 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,317 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Douglass, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Douglass?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Douglass?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Douglass. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $780.47 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 account for 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.