Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elizabethtown, PA (2024 Update)
- Elizabethtown Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,223
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elizabethtown
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elizabethtown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Elizabethtown it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,331 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Elizabethtown homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elizabethtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,089 |
| 3 years | $-12,603 |
| 5 years | $-10,117 |
| 7 years | $-7,631 |
| 9 years | $-5,145 |
| 11 years | $-2,659 |
| 13 years | $-173 |
| 15 years | $2,313 |
| 17 years | $4,799 |
| 19 years | $7,285 |
| 21 years | $9,771 |
| 23 years | $12,257 |
| 25 years | $14,743 |
Top Solar Installers in Elizabethtown
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Elizabethtown:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Elizabethtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elizabethtown
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Elizabethtown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency 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 Elizabethtown average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Elizabethtown, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Elizabethtown, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Elizabethtown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $7,275 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,098 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,120 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,340 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,759 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,377 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,194 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,210 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Elizabethtown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elizabethtown?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.