Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin, PA (2024 Update)
- Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $17,151
- 25-Year Savings: $8,724
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Franklin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Franklin it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Franklin is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,151 for a solar installation, or $24,526 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Franklin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Franklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,068 |
| 3 years | $-13,903 |
| 5 years | $-11,737 |
| 7 years | $-9,571 |
| 9 years | $-7,405 |
| 11 years | $-5,239 |
| 13 years | $-3,074 |
| 15 years | $-908 |
| 17 years | $1,258 |
| 19 years | $3,424 |
| 21 years | $5,590 |
| 23 years | $7,755 |
| 25 years | $9,921 |
Top Solar Installers in Franklin
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Franklin, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin
There are several criteria that can play into 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 system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Franklin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Franklin provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Franklin is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $2,787 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,114 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,639 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,364 | 20.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,287 | 19.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,409 | 19.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,729 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,249 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Franklin is currently $122,635, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,028 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Franklin is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.