Solar Panel Cost Guide in German, PA (2023 Update)
- German Solar Installation Cost: $12,539
- 25-Year Savings: $8,505
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in German
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in German.
The average cost of solar panels in German is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in German, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,531, or $17,919 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average German homeowners see about $11,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in German for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in German
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,456 |
| 3 years | $-9,291 |
| 5 years | $-7,125 |
| 7 years | $-4,959 |
| 9 years | $-2,793 |
| 11 years | $-627 |
| 13 years | $1,538 |
| 15 years | $3,704 |
| 17 years | $5,870 |
| 19 years | $8,036 |
| 21 years | $10,202 |
| 23 years | $12,368 |
| 25 years | $14,533 |
Top Solar Installers in German
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 German
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in German
Even though the average cost of a solar system in German is $12,531, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in German have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in German, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $6,835 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,399 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,106 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,956 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,948 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,084 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,362 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,782 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 German, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in German?
The average cost of solar panels in German is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in German?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy 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.