Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Franklin, PA (2024 Update)

  • East Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $17,490
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,182
  • Payback Period: 17.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Franklin

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in East Franklin.

The average cost of a solar system in East Franklin is 4 per watt.The average East Franklin homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,490 with the federal tax credit, or $25,011 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in East Franklin, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East Franklin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,407
3 years $-14,241
5 years $-12,075
7 years $-9,909
9 years $-7,743
11 years $-5,578
13 years $-3,412
15 years $-1,246
17 years $920
19 years $3,086
21 years $5,251
23 years $7,417
25 years $9,583

Top Solar Installers in East Franklin

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're looking for a solar company in East Franklin, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Franklin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Franklin

For many East Franklin homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system 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 several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation 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.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in East Franklin offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in East Franklin, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $3.69 $15,506 $6,441 17.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $8,986 17.3 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $11,729 17.0 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $14,672 16.6 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $17,813 16.3 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $21,153 16.0 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $24,691 15.6 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $28,429 15.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's East Franklin, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Franklin?

The average cost of solar panels in East Franklin is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get 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.

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