Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Franklin, PA (2023 Update)
- East Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $13,179
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Franklin
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in East Franklin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Franklin, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average East Franklin homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,566 with the federal tax credit, or $17,969 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in East Franklin based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the large upfront cost, the average East Franklin homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in East Franklin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Franklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,537 |
| 3 years | $-9,477 |
| 5 years | $-7,417 |
| 7 years | $-5,358 |
| 9 years | $-3,298 |
| 11 years | $-1,238 |
| 13 years | $821 |
| 15 years | $2,881 |
| 17 years | $4,940 |
| 19 years | $7,000 |
| 21 years | $9,060 |
| 23 years | $11,119 |
| 25 years | $13,179 |
Top Solar Installers in East Franklin
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in East Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Franklin
For many East Franklin homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Franklin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in East Franklin. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the East Franklin average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in East Franklin, and each can charge different amounts 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 extra services like electric car 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 | $10,809 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,698 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,729 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,904 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,221 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,681 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,283 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,029 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's East Franklin, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Franklin?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does East Franklin have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.