Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elim, PA (2024 Update)
- Elim Solar Installation Cost: $17,409
- 25-Year Savings: $14,260
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elim
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Elim.
In Elim, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Elim, the average price of going solar will be about $17,409 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Elim depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Elim see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Elim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,931 |
| 3 years | $-12,976 |
| 5 years | $-10,021 |
| 7 years | $-7,066 |
| 9 years | $-4,111 |
| 11 years | $-1,156 |
| 13 years | $1,798 |
| 15 years | $4,753 |
| 17 years | $7,708 |
| 19 years | $10,663 |
| 21 years | $13,618 |
| 23 years | $16,573 |
| 25 years | $19,528 |
Top Solar Installers in Elim
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Elim, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Elim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elim
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Elim: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 nearly $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Elim, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $7,417 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,287 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,356 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,623 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,089 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,754 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,618 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,681 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Elim, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elim?
The average cost of solar panels in Elim 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.