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.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in East Donegal, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,331, or $23,353 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in East Donegal find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in East Donegal, you can 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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
For many East Donegal homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Donegal, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like East Donegal, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 East Donegal to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for East Donegal homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in East Donegal, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
There are a lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in East Donegal?
A solar panel system isn’t free in East Donegal, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in East Donegal?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in East Donegal?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.