Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglass, PA (2023 Update)
- Douglass Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $13,935
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglass
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Douglass.
In Douglass, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Douglass homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,763 with the federal tax credit, or $16,821 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Douglass see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Douglass, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglass
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,735 |
| 3 years | $-8,679 |
| 5 years | $-6,623 |
| 7 years | $-4,568 |
| 9 years | $-2,512 |
| 11 years | $-456 |
| 13 years | $1,600 |
| 15 years | $3,656 |
| 17 years | $5,712 |
| 19 years | $7,768 |
| 21 years | $9,824 |
| 23 years | $11,879 |
| 25 years | $13,935 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglass
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Douglass:
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 Douglass
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglass
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Douglass, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly 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 more impactful. 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 Douglass to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Douglass' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,276 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,653 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,174 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,837 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,643 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,591 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,683 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,917 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- 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.
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 Douglass, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Douglass?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglass 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Douglass?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Douglass?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.