Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilbertsville, PA (Mar 2023)
- Gilbertsville Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $14,358
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilbertsville
We break down average solar pricing in Gilbertsville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gilbertsville generally cost around 2.55. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Gilbertsville, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,763, or $16,821 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Gilbertsville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gilbertsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,718 |
| 3 years | $-8,629 |
| 5 years | $-6,539 |
| 7 years | $-4,449 |
| 9 years | $-2,359 |
| 11 years | $-270 |
| 13 years | $1,820 |
| 15 years | $3,910 |
| 17 years | $5,999 |
| 19 years | $8,089 |
| 21 years | $10,179 |
| 23 years | $12,269 |
| 25 years | $14,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilbertsville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Gilbertsville:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Gilbertsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilbertsville
There are several factors that can determine your 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Gilbertsville. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gilbertsville, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Gilbertsville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gilbertsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels 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 look forward to a value of about $10,469 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gilbertsville is a fruitful investment.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.