Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hershey, PA (2024 Update)
- Hershey Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,965
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hershey
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Hershey.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hershey, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Hershey homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,690 with the federal tax credit, or $23,867 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Hershey homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Hershey that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hershey
| Year | Return 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 installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Hershey, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hershey
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hershey
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hershey is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $6,786 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,445 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,303 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,360 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,616 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,071 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,724 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,577 | 15.0 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.
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 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 real cost will depend on things such as the model 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 appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.