Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilbertsville, PA (2023 Update)
- Gilbertsville Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
- 25-Year Savings: $14,367
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilbertsville
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Gilbertsville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gilbertsville it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Gilbertsville, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gilbertsville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gilbertsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,512 |
| 3 years | $-8,026 |
| 5 years | $-5,540 |
| 7 years | $-3,054 |
| 9 years | $-568 |
| 11 years | $1,918 |
| 13 years | $4,404 |
| 15 years | $6,890 |
| 17 years | $9,376 |
| 19 years | $11,862 |
| 21 years | $14,348 |
| 23 years | $16,834 |
| 25 years | $19,320 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilbertsville
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Gilbertsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilbertsville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Gilbertsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gilbertsville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Gilbertsville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gilbertsville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,661 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,167 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,816 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,607 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,542 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,619 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,839 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,201 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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, including:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Gilbertsville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gilbertsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Gilbertsville 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gilbertsville is currently $255,330, so you can expect a value of about $10,469 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gilbertsville is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need 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 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 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.