Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Donegal, PA (2023 Update)
- East Donegal Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $12,905
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Donegal
We go over average solar pricing in East Donegal.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Donegal it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in East Donegal is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,727 for a solar installation, or $16,770 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of East Donegal homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in East Donegal can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in East Donegal that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Donegal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,742 |
| 3 years | $-8,772 |
| 5 years | $-6,801 |
| 7 years | $-4,830 |
| 9 years | $-2,860 |
| 11 years | $-889 |
| 13 years | $1,081 |
| 15 years | $3,052 |
| 17 years | $5,023 |
| 19 years | $6,993 |
| 21 years | $8,964 |
| 23 years | $10,934 |
| 25 years | $12,905 |
Top Solar Installers in East Donegal
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in East Donegal, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Donegal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Donegal
Even though the average cost of a solar system in East Donegal is $11,727, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like East Donegal, 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
Most solar installers in East Donegal offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in East Donegal, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in East Donegal have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,350 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,419 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,630 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,985 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,482 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,122 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,905 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,831 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Donegal, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Donegal?
The average cost of solar panels in East Donegal is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Donegal?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in East Donegal?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy 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.