Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Allen, PA (2023 Update)
- East Allen Solar Installation Cost: $11,971
- 25-Year Savings: $12,823
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Allen
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in East Allen.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Allen, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average East Allen homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,977 with the federal tax credit, or $17,127 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in East Allen based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in East Allen can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in East Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,888 |
| 3 years | $-11,723 |
| 5 years | $-11,557 |
| 7 years | $-11,392 |
| 9 years | $-11,227 |
| 11 years | $-11,062 |
| 13 years | $-10,896 |
| 15 years | $-10,731 |
| 17 years | $-10,566 |
| 19 years | $-10,401 |
| 21 years | $-10,235 |
| 23 years | $-10,070 |
| 25 years | $-9,905 |
Top Solar Installers in East Allen
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 East Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Allen
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in East Allen. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Allen to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost 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 trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in East Allen, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 vehicle 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 | $11,044 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,010 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,120 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,372 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,768 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,306 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,986 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,810 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 East Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Allen?
The average cost of solar panels in East Allen 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Allen?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in East Allen?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.