Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hershey, PA (2025 Update)

  • Hershey Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,965
  • Payback Period: 16.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Hershey

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Hershey.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hershey it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,690 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Hershey

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,447
3 years$-12,961
5 years$-10,475
7 years$-7,990
9 years$-5,504
11 years$-3,018
13 years$-532
15 years$1,954
17 years$4,440
19 years$6,926
21 years$9,412
23 years$11,898
25 years$14,384

Top Solar Installers in Hershey

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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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 Hershey

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hershey

For many Hershey homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hershey, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hershey to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hershey, and each can charge different amounts 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 because of access to greater 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$6,78617.4 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$9,44517.1 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$12,30316.7 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$15,36016.4 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$18,61616.1 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$22,07115.7 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$25,72415.4 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$29,57715.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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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 Hershey, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hershey?

The average cost of solar panels in Hershey 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hershey?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $743.07 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.