Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hellam, PA (2023 Update)
- Hellam Solar Installation Cost: $11,779
- 25-Year Savings: $13,779
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hellam
We go over average solar pricing in Hellam.
In Hellam, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Hellam is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,781 for a solar installation, or $16,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Hellam homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Hellam for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hellam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,536 |
| 3 years | $-8,050 |
| 5 years | $-5,564 |
| 7 years | $-3,078 |
| 9 years | $-592 |
| 11 years | $1,894 |
| 13 years | $4,380 |
| 15 years | $6,866 |
| 17 years | $9,352 |
| 19 years | $11,838 |
| 21 years | $14,324 |
| 23 years | $16,809 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in Hellam
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Hellam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hellam
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Hellam is $11,781, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Hellam, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Hellam homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Hellam, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,100 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,419 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,881 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,486 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,233 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,123 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,156 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,332 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Hellam, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hellam?
The average cost of solar panels in Hellam is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Hellam?
A solar panel system isn't free in Hellam, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hellam?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.