Solar Panel Cost Guide in Heidelberg, PA (2024 Update)
- Heidelberg Solar Installation Cost: $16,524
- 25-Year Savings: $13,085
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Heidelberg
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Heidelberg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Heidelberg it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Heidelberg, the average price of going solar will be about $16,524 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Heidelberg depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Heidelberg homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Heidelberg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Heidelberg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,260 |
| 3 years | $-12,733 |
| 5 years | $-10,206 |
| 7 years | $-7,679 |
| 9 years | $-5,152 |
| 11 years | $-2,625 |
| 13 years | $-98 |
| 15 years | $2,429 |
| 17 years | $4,956 |
| 19 years | $7,483 |
| 21 years | $10,010 |
| 23 years | $12,537 |
| 25 years | $15,064 |
Top Solar Installers in Heidelberg
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, 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 go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Heidelberg:
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 Heidelberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Heidelberg
There are several criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Heidelberg, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Heidelberg, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more 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 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 | $7,010 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,744 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,678 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,809 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,140 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,670 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,398 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,325 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Heidelberg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Heidelberg?
The average cost of solar panels in Heidelberg 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Heidelberg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Heidelberg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher amount 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.