Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freedom, PA (2023 Update)
- Freedom Solar Installation Cost: $12,342
- 25-Year Savings: $18,572
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Freedom
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Freedom.
The average cost of solar panels in Freedom is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Freedom, the average price of going solar will be about $12,334 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Freedom based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Freedom
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,864 |
| 3 years | $-7,909 |
| 5 years | $-4,954 |
| 7 years | $-1,999 |
| 9 years | $955 |
| 11 years | $3,910 |
| 13 years | $6,865 |
| 15 years | $9,820 |
| 17 years | $12,775 |
| 19 years | $15,730 |
| 21 years | $18,685 |
| 23 years | $21,640 |
| 25 years | $24,595 |
Top Solar Installers in Freedom
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Freedom, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Freedom
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freedom
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Freedom: 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Freedom, 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 Freedom provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to add 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Freedom is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,688 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,203 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $26,861 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $32,661 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $38,605 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $44,691 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $50,920 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $57,291 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Freedom, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Freedom?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Freedom?
You can't get solar panels for free in Freedom. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Freedom?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.