Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fulton, PA (2023 Update)
- Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $13,362
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fulton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fulton.
In Fulton, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fulton, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,727, or $16,770 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fulton find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fulton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,724 |
| 3 years | $-8,717 |
| 5 years | $-6,710 |
| 7 years | $-4,703 |
| 9 years | $-2,695 |
| 11 years | $-688 |
| 13 years | $1,319 |
| 15 years | $3,326 |
| 17 years | $5,333 |
| 19 years | $7,340 |
| 21 years | $9,347 |
| 23 years | $11,354 |
| 25 years | $13,362 |
Top Solar Installers in Fulton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fulton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fulton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fulton: 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 significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Fulton. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fulton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,767 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,975 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,325 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,819 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,455 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,234 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,156 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,220 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Fulton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Fulton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fulton?
The average cost of solar panels in Fulton 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fulton?
Solar panels aren't free in Fulton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.