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

  • Hanover Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,365
  • Payback Period: 15.1 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 Hanover

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Hanover.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hanover typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Hanover is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,398 for a solar installation, or $23,449 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Hanover homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Hanover for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Hanover

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,155
3 years $-12,669
5 years $-10,183
7 years $-7,697
9 years $-5,211
11 years $-2,726
13 years $-240
15 years $2,246
17 years $4,732
19 years $7,218
21 years $9,704
23 years $12,190
25 years $14,676

Top Solar Installers in Hanover

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Hanover, thereby optimizing your ROI.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Hanover

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hanover

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Hanover: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,550.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 $9,174 15.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,630 15.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $16,284 15.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $20,137 14.8 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $24,189 14.5 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $28,440 14.2 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $32,889 13.9 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $37,538 13.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Hanover, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: When looking 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 part breaking or the company going out of business.

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 Hanover, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hanover?

The average cost of solar panels in Hanover is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Hanover?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Hanover. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hanover?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Hanover?

Though 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 choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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