Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elim, PA (2023 Update)
- Elim Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $14,252
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elim
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Elim.
The average cost of a solar system in Elim is 2.55 per watt. The average Elim homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,513 with the federal tax credit, or $17,894 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Elim for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Elim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,442 |
| 3 years | $-9,301 |
| 5 years | $-7,160 |
| 7 years | $-5,019 |
| 9 years | $-2,877 |
| 11 years | $-736 |
| 13 years | $1,405 |
| 15 years | $3,546 |
| 17 years | $5,687 |
| 19 years | $7,829 |
| 21 years | $9,970 |
| 23 years | $12,111 |
| 25 years | $14,252 |
Top Solar Installers in Elim
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Elim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elim
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Elim, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment is 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Elim, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,785 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,999 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,356 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,855 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,497 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,282 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,210 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,281 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking 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 like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Elim is currently $97,100, so you can expect a value of about $3,981 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Elim is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.