Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emmaus, PA (2023 Update)
- Emmaus Solar Installation Cost: $11,918
- 25-Year Savings: $12,393
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emmaus
We go over average solar pricing in Emmaus.
In Emmaus, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Emmaus, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,924, or $17,051 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Emmaus based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Emmaus can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emmaus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,572 |
| 3 years | $-7,881 |
| 5 years | $-5,190 |
| 7 years | $-2,499 |
| 9 years | $193 |
| 11 years | $2,884 |
| 13 years | $5,575 |
| 15 years | $8,266 |
| 17 years | $10,957 |
| 19 years | $13,649 |
| 21 years | $16,340 |
| 23 years | $19,031 |
| 25 years | $21,722 |
Top Solar Installers in Emmaus
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in Emmaus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emmaus
There are many criteria that can influence 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Emmaus, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Emmaus homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Emmaus homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Emmaus, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice 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 larger companies.
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 | $10,709 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,564 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,562 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,702 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,986 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,412 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,981 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,693 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Emmaus, 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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Emmaus, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emmaus?
The average cost of solar panels in Emmaus 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Emmaus?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Emmaus?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.