Solar Panel Cost Guide in Earl, PA (2023 Update)
- Earl Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $13,791
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Earl
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Earl.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Earl it's 2.55 per watt. The average Earl homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,727 with the federal tax credit, or $16,770 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Earl homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Earl
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,707 |
| 3 years | $-8,665 |
| 5 years | $-6,624 |
| 7 years | $-4,582 |
| 9 years | $-2,541 |
| 11 years | $-499 |
| 13 years | $1,542 |
| 15 years | $3,584 |
| 17 years | $5,625 |
| 19 years | $7,667 |
| 21 years | $9,708 |
| 23 years | $11,750 |
| 25 years | $13,791 |
Top Solar Installers in Earl
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Earl
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Earl
While the average cost of a solar system in Earl is $11,727, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Earl, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Earl's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,159 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,497 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,979 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,603 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,370 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,280 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,332 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,528 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Earl, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Earl?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep 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 a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.