Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilbertsville, PA (2024 Update)
- Gilbertsville Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,367
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilbertsville
See how much it might cost to go solar in Gilbertsville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Gilbertsville is 4 per watt.Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Gilbertsville, the average price of going solar will be about $16,365 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Gilbertsville homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Gilbertsville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gilbertsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,122 |
| 3 years | $-12,636 |
| 5 years | $-10,150 |
| 7 years | $-7,664 |
| 9 years | $-5,178 |
| 11 years | $-2,692 |
| 13 years | $-206 |
| 15 years | $2,280 |
| 17 years | $4,766 |
| 19 years | $7,252 |
| 21 years | $9,738 |
| 23 years | $12,224 |
| 25 years | $14,710 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilbertsville
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Gilbertsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilbertsville
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gilbertsville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Gilbertsville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,293 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,455 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,816 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,375 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,134 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,091 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,247 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,601 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Gilbertsville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gilbertsville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Gilbertsville have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Gilbertsville?
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 larger 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.