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.The average Hummelstown 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.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hummelstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hummelstown
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Hummelstown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Hummelstown.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hummelstown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Hummelstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hummelstown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Hummelstown?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.