Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankstown, PA (2024 Update)
- Frankstown Solar Installation Cost: $17,182
- 25-Year Savings: $18,731
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frankstown
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Frankstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Frankstown it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,182 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Frankstown homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frankstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,704 |
| 3 years | $-12,749 |
| 5 years | $-9,794 |
| 7 years | $-6,839 |
| 9 years | $-3,884 |
| 11 years | $-929 |
| 13 years | $2,025 |
| 15 years | $4,980 |
| 17 years | $7,935 |
| 19 years | $10,890 |
| 21 years | $13,845 |
| 23 years | $16,800 |
| 25 years | $19,755 |
Top Solar Installers in Frankstown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Frankstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankstown
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Frankstown: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Frankstown.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Frankstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Frankstown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Frankstown is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Frankstown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,458 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,674 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $20,090 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $24,704 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $29,518 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $34,530 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $39,741 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $45,150 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 what the project timeline is.
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 Frankstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frankstown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Frankstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Frankstown have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.