Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamburg, PA (2023 Update)
- Hamburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,872
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hamburg
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hamburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hamburg, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hamburg is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,870 for a solar installation, or $16,974 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hamburg find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
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 Hamburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,629 |
| 3 years | $-8,143 |
| 5 years | $-5,657 |
| 7 years | $-3,171 |
| 9 years | $-685 |
| 11 years | $1,801 |
| 13 years | $4,287 |
| 15 years | $6,773 |
| 17 years | $9,259 |
| 19 years | $11,745 |
| 21 years | $14,230 |
| 23 years | $16,716 |
| 25 years | $19,202 |
Top Solar Installers in Hamburg
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various 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
See all of the solar companies in Hamburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Hamburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Hamburg, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hamburg is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,449 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,669 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,031 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,536 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,184 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,974 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,908 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Hamburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hamburg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 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 above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to 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 keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.