Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Drumore, PA (2023 Update)
- East Drumore Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
- 25-Year Savings: $13,163
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Drumore
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in East Drumore.
In East Drumore, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in East Drumore, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average East Drumore homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Drumore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,648 |
| 3 years | $-11,482 |
| 5 years | $-11,316 |
| 7 years | $-11,150 |
| 9 years | $-10,984 |
| 11 years | $-10,818 |
| 13 years | $-10,652 |
| 15 years | $-10,486 |
| 17 years | $-10,320 |
| 19 years | $-10,154 |
| 21 years | $-9,988 |
| 23 years | $-9,823 |
| 25 years | $-9,657 |
Top Solar Installers in East Drumore
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Drumore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Drumore
The cost of installing a solar system in East Drumore 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 home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in East Drumore provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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 company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in East Drumore, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $11,589 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,738 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,029 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,463 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,040 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,760 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,623 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,628 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in East Drumore, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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.
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 Drumore, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Drumore?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Drumore?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in East Drumore is currently $215,837, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,849 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Drumore is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger level 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.