Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampden, PA (2024 Update)
- Hampden Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $12,418
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampden
We go over average solar pricing in Hampden.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hampden it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,556 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Hampden homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Hampden for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Hampden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,211 |
| 3 years | $-12,519 |
| 5 years | $-9,828 |
| 7 years | $-7,137 |
| 9 years | $-4,446 |
| 11 years | $-1,755 |
| 13 years | $937 |
| 15 years | $3,628 |
| 17 years | $6,319 |
| 19 years | $9,010 |
| 21 years | $11,701 |
| 23 years | $14,393 |
| 25 years | $17,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampden
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hampden:
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 Hampden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hampden
For many Hampden homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hampden, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hampden average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hampden, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Hampden homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Hampden, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,387 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,914 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,639 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,563 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,686 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,008 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,529 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,248 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Hampden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Hampden, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hampden?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hampden?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hampden is currently $282,382, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,578 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hampden is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Hampden?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.