Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamilton, PA (2023 Update)
- Hamilton Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $14,572
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hamilton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hamilton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hamilton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Hamilton, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,888, or $17,000 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hamilton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hamilton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,830 |
| 3 years | $-8,713 |
| 5 years | $-6,596 |
| 7 years | $-4,479 |
| 9 years | $-2,363 |
| 11 years | $-246 |
| 13 years | $1,871 |
| 15 years | $3,988 |
| 17 years | $6,105 |
| 19 years | $8,221 |
| 21 years | $10,338 |
| 23 years | $12,455 |
| 25 years | $14,572 |
Top Solar Installers in Hamilton
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hamilton:
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 Hamilton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamilton
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hamilton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,690 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,206 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,865 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,666 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,610 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,697 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,927 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,299 | 10.1 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Hamilton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hamilton?
The average cost of solar panels in Hamilton is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hamilton, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Hamilton?
On average, solar panels can last 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.