Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Donegal, PA (2024 Update)
- East Donegal Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $12,901
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Donegal
We go over average solar pricing in East Donegal.
The average cost of a solar panel system in East Donegal is 4 per watt.The average East Donegal homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,331 with the federal tax credit, or $23,353 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in East Donegal can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Donegal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,020 |
| 3 years | $-12,397 |
| 5 years | $-9,775 |
| 7 years | $-7,152 |
| 9 years | $-4,529 |
| 11 years | $-1,906 |
| 13 years | $717 |
| 15 years | $3,339 |
| 17 years | $5,962 |
| 19 years | $8,585 |
| 21 years | $11,208 |
| 23 years | $13,830 |
| 25 years | $16,453 |
Top Solar Installers in East Donegal
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
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
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 East Donegal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Donegal
The cost of installing a solar system in East Donegal can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like East Donegal, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in East Donegal, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in East Donegal, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in East Donegal are more knowledgeable 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 help you save 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,982 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,707 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,630 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,753 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,074 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,594 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,313 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,231 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 East Donegal, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Donegal?
This is a difficult 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in East Donegal?
You can’t get solar panels for free in East Donegal. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Is it worth going solar in East Donegal?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in East Donegal?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.