Solar Panel Cost Guide in Enola, PA (Mar 2023)
- Enola Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $12,423
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Enola
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Enola.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Enola generally cost about 2.55. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Enola, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,888, or $17,000 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Enola homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Enola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,916 |
| 3 years | $-8,971 |
| 5 years | $-7,026 |
| 7 years | $-5,081 |
| 9 years | $-3,136 |
| 11 years | $-1,191 |
| 13 years | $753 |
| 15 years | $2,698 |
| 17 years | $4,643 |
| 19 years | $6,588 |
| 21 years | $8,533 |
| 23 years | $10,478 |
| 25 years | $12,423 |
Top Solar Installers in Enola
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 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 Enola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Enola
While the average cost of a solar system in Enola is $11,888, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation 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 $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Enola to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,755 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,626 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,639 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,795 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,094 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,536 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,121 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,848 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Enola, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Enola?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Enola?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Enola is currently $189,980, so you can expect a value of about $7,789 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Enola is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.