Solar Panel Cost Guide in Heidelberg, PA (Mar 2023)
- Heidelberg Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,084
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Heidelberg
We go over average solar pricing in Heidelberg.
In Heidelberg, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Heidelberg is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,870 for a solar installation, or $16,974 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Heidelberg can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Heidelberg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Heidelberg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,872 |
| 3 years | $-8,876 |
| 5 years | $-6,879 |
| 7 years | $-4,883 |
| 9 years | $-2,887 |
| 11 years | $-890 |
| 13 years | $1,106 |
| 15 years | $3,102 |
| 17 years | $5,098 |
| 19 years | $7,095 |
| 21 years | $9,091 |
| 23 years | $11,087 |
| 25 years | $13,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Heidelberg
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Heidelberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Heidelberg
While the average cost of a solar system in Heidelberg is $11,870, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Heidelberg. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Heidelberg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 Heidelberg offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Heidelberg's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access 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 discount 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,378 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,456 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,678 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,041 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,548 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,198 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,990 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,925 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Heidelberg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Heidelberg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Heidelberg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Heidelberg is currently $168,786, which means you can expect a value of about $6,920 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Heidelberg is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.