Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hummelstown, PA (2023 Update)
- Hummelstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $12,959
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hummelstown
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hummelstown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hummelstown typically cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Hummelstown is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,995 for a solar installation, or $17,153 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 will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hummelstown find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Hummelstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hummelstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,997 |
| 3 years | $-9,001 |
| 5 years | $-7,004 |
| 7 years | $-5,008 |
| 9 years | $-3,012 |
| 11 years | $-1,015 |
| 13 years | $981 |
| 15 years | $2,977 |
| 17 years | $4,974 |
| 19 years | $6,970 |
| 21 years | $8,966 |
| 23 years | $10,962 |
| 25 years | $12,959 |
Top Solar Installers in Hummelstown
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Hummelstown:
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 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 dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hummelstown, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Hummelstown, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,154 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,157 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,303 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,592 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,024 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,599 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,316 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,177 | 10.8 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Hummelstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hummelstown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hummelstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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.
Does Hummelstown have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.