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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elizabethtown, the average cost of solar panels is 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 solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial 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 utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 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 often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Elizabethtown: 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 energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Elizabethtown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Elizabethtown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Elizabethtown homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Elizabethtown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Elizabethtown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Elizabethtown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes 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
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 many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Elizabethtown?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Elizabethtown?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.