Solar Panel Cost Guide in Foster, PA (2023 Update)
- Foster Solar Installation Cost: $12,923
- 25-Year Savings: $17,676
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Foster
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Foster.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Foster generally cost around 2.55. The average Foster homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,923 with the federal tax credit, or $18,480 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Foster homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Foster homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Foster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,699 |
| 3 years | $-9,251 |
| 5 years | $-6,804 |
| 7 years | $-4,356 |
| 9 years | $-1,908 |
| 11 years | $540 |
| 13 years | $2,988 |
| 15 years | $5,436 |
| 17 years | $7,884 |
| 19 years | $10,332 |
| 21 years | $12,780 |
| 23 years | $15,228 |
| 25 years | $17,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Foster
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Foster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Foster
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Foster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Foster average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Foster to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Foster, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $14,211 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,234 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,400 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $29,708 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,159 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $40,753 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $46,490 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $52,369 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Foster, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Foster?
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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Foster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $844.99 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 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.