Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emerald Lakes, PA (2023 Update)
- Emerald Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,173
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emerald Lakes
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Emerald Lakes.
In Emerald Lakes, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Emerald Lakes, the average price of going solar will be about $12,138 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Emerald Lakes, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emerald Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,166 |
| 3 years | $-9,221 |
| 5 years | $-7,276 |
| 7 years | $-5,331 |
| 9 years | $-3,386 |
| 11 years | $-1,441 |
| 13 years | $504 |
| 15 years | $2,448 |
| 17 years | $4,393 |
| 19 years | $6,338 |
| 21 years | $8,283 |
| 23 years | $10,228 |
| 25 years | $12,173 |
Top Solar Installers in Emerald Lakes
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Emerald Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emerald Lakes
For many Emerald Lakes homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Emerald Lakes, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Emerald Lakes. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Emerald Lakes average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Emerald Lakes, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Emerald Lakes is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Emerald Lakes know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,307 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,028 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,892 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,899 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,049 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,341 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,777 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,355 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Emerald Lakes, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, 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 to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Emerald Lakes, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Emerald Lakes?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Emerald Lakes?
You can't get solar panels for free in Emerald Lakes. However, you may still be able to get 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 my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.