Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elizabethtown, PA (2023 Update)
- Elizabethtown Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
- 25-Year Savings: $13,223
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elizabethtown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Elizabethtown.
The average cost of solar panels in Elizabethtown is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Elizabethtown, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,727, or $16,770 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Elizabethtown based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Elizabethtown find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elizabethtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,648 |
| 3 years | $-11,482 |
| 5 years | $-11,315 |
| 7 years | $-11,149 |
| 9 years | $-10,982 |
| 11 years | $-10,816 |
| 13 years | $-10,650 |
| 15 years | $-10,483 |
| 17 years | $-10,317 |
| 19 years | $-10,151 |
| 21 years | $-9,984 |
| 23 years | $-9,818 |
| 25 years | $-9,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Elizabethtown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Elizabethtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elizabethtown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Elizabethtown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Elizabethtown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,643 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,810 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,120 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,572 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,167 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,905 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,786 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,810 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Elizabethtown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Elizabethtown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elizabethtown?
The average cost of solar panels in Elizabethtown is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Elizabethtown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Elizabethtown. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Elizabethtown is currently $212,500, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,712 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Elizabethtown is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 home 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.