Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamilton, PA (2024 Update)
- Hamilton Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $14,567
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hamilton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hamilton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hamilton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Hamilton homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,556 with the federal tax credit, or $23,675 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Hamilton based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Hamilton homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Hamilton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hamilton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,079 |
| 3 years | $-12,124 |
| 5 years | $-9,169 |
| 7 years | $-6,214 |
| 9 years | $-3,259 |
| 11 years | $-304 |
| 13 years | $2,651 |
| 15 years | $5,606 |
| 17 years | $8,561 |
| 19 years | $11,516 |
| 21 years | $14,471 |
| 23 years | $17,426 |
| 25 years | $20,381 |
Top Solar Installers in Hamilton
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Hamilton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamilton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Hamilton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hamilton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hamilton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,322 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,494 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,865 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,434 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,202 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,169 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,335 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,699 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 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 $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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $794.29 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Hamilton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.