Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gettysburg, PA (2024 Update)
- Gettysburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,467
- 25-Year Savings: $15,316
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gettysburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Gettysburg.
In Gettysburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,467 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Gettysburg depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gettysburg find investing in solar can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gettysburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,224 |
| 3 years | $-12,738 |
| 5 years | $-10,252 |
| 7 years | $-7,766 |
| 9 years | $-5,280 |
| 11 years | $-2,794 |
| 13 years | $-308 |
| 15 years | $2,178 |
| 17 years | $4,664 |
| 19 years | $7,150 |
| 21 years | $9,636 |
| 23 years | $12,122 |
| 25 years | $14,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Gettysburg
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
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 Gettysburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gettysburg
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Gettysburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss 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 higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Gettysburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Gettysburg offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Gettysburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $9,071 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,492 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,113 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,931 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,949 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,166 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,581 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,195 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Gettysburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gettysburg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gettysburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 it worth going solar in Gettysburg?
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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.