Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Hanover, PA (Mar 2023)
- East Hanover Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $12,959
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Hanover
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in East Hanover.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Hanover generally cost around 2.55. The average East Hanover homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,995 with the federal tax credit, or $17,153 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average East Hanover homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in East Hanover, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Hanover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,997 |
| 3 years | $-9,001 |
| 5 years | $-7,004 |
| 7 years | $-5,008 |
| 9 years | $-3,012 |
| 11 years | $-1,015 |
| 13 years | $981 |
| 15 years | $2,977 |
| 17 years | $4,974 |
| 19 years | $6,970 |
| 21 years | $8,966 |
| 23 years | $10,962 |
| 25 years | $12,959 |
Top Solar Installers in East Hanover
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Hanover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Hanover
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the East Hanover average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in East Hanover have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, 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 choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $11,154 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,157 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,303 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,592 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,024 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,599 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,316 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,177 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in East Hanover, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company 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 Hanover, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Hanover?
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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-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 Hanover?
You can't get solar panels for free in East Hanover. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 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.