Solar Panel Cost Guide in Greencastle, PA (2024 Update)
- Greencastle Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $9,151
- Payback Period: 19.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Greencastle
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Greencastle.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Greencastle typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Greencastle, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,556, or $23,675 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Greencastle homeowner can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Greencastle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,473 |
| 3 years | $-13,308 |
| 5 years | $-11,142 |
| 7 years | $-8,976 |
| 9 years | $-6,810 |
| 11 years | $-4,644 |
| 13 years | $-2,478 |
| 15 years | $-313 |
| 17 years | $1,853 |
| 19 years | $4,019 |
| 21 years | $6,185 |
| 23 years | $8,351 |
| 25 years | $10,516 |
Top Solar Installers in Greencastle
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Greencastle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greencastle
For many Greencastle homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Greencastle, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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 energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Greencastle provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Greencastle, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3,445 | 20.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,991 | 20.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $6,735 | 19.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $8,679 | 19.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $10,821 | 18.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $13,162 | 18.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $15,702 | 18.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $18,441 | 17.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Greencastle, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Greencastle?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want other 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Greencastle, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Greencastle?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.