Solar Panel Cost Guide in Foster, PA (2024 Update)
- Foster Solar Installation Cost: $17,998
- 25-Year Savings: $17,672
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Foster
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Foster.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Foster generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $17,998 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Foster homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Foster, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Foster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,520 |
| 3 years | $-13,565 |
| 5 years | $-10,610 |
| 7 years | $-7,655 |
| 9 years | $-4,700 |
| 11 years | $-1,745 |
| 13 years | $1,210 |
| 15 years | $4,164 |
| 17 years | $7,119 |
| 19 years | $10,074 |
| 21 years | $13,029 |
| 23 years | $15,984 |
| 25 years | $18,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Foster
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Foster, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Foster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Foster
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Foster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Foster, where sunlight isn’t as 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
Most solar installers in Foster offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Foster homeowners, they can also raise 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 last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Foster, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $9,843 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,522 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,400 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,476 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,751 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,225 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $34,898 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,769 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Foster, 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:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Foster, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Foster?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Foster?
Solar panels aren’t free in Foster, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Foster have a net metering program?
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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.