Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin, PA (2023 Update)
- Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $12,320
- 25-Year Savings: $8,724
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Franklin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Franklin, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Franklin, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,316, or $17,612 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Franklin depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Franklin see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Franklin that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Franklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,250 |
| 3 years | $-12,110 |
| 5 years | $-11,969 |
| 7 years | $-11,829 |
| 9 years | $-11,689 |
| 11 years | $-11,548 |
| 13 years | $-11,408 |
| 15 years | $-11,268 |
| 17 years | $-11,127 |
| 19 years | $-10,987 |
| 21 years | $-10,847 |
| 23 years | $-10,707 |
| 25 years | $-10,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Franklin
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin
Though the average cost of a solar system in Franklin is $12,316, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Franklin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Franklin homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Franklin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Franklin, and each can charge varying amounts 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $7,155 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,826 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,639 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,596 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,695 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,937 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $25,321 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $28,849 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain 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: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 research 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 Franklin, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklin?
The average cost of solar panels in Franklin 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Franklin?
You can't get solar panels for free in Franklin. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Franklin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Franklin?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.