Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hummelstown, PA (2024 Update)
- Hummelstown 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 Hummelstown
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Hummelstown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hummelstown, the typical cost of solar panels is 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hummelstown homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Hummelstown homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hummelstown
| 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 Hummelstown
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Hummelstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hummelstown
The cost of installing a solar system in Hummelstown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Hummelstown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hummelstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Hummelstown know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Hummelstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hummelstown?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different 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, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.