Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamburg, PA (2024 Update)

  • Hamburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,082
  • Payback Period: 16.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hamburg

We go over average solar pricing in Hamburg.

In Hamburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Hamburg, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,528, or $23,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Hamburg depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Hamburg homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Hamburg for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Hamburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,285
3 years $-12,799
5 years $-10,313
7 years $-7,827
9 years $-5,341
11 years $-2,855
13 years $-369
15 years $2,117
17 years $4,603
19 years $7,089
21 years $9,575
23 years $12,061
25 years $14,547

Top Solar Installers in Hamburg

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Hamburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamburg

For many Hamburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hamburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Hamburg.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Hamburg offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hamburg is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $7,005 17.2 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,737 16.9 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,669 16.6 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $15,799 16.2 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $19,128 15.9 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $22,656 15.6 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $26,382 15.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $30,308 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Hamburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hamburg?

The average cost of solar panels in Hamburg is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Hamburg?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Hamburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hamburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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, 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 higher level 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.

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