Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jenkins, PA (2023 Update)
- Jenkins Solar Installation Cost: $12,406
- 25-Year Savings: $8,802
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jenkins
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Jenkins.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jenkins, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average Jenkins homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,406 with the federal tax credit, or $17,741 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Jenkins depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jenkins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,557 |
| 3 years | $-9,861 |
| 5 years | $-8,164 |
| 7 years | $-6,467 |
| 9 years | $-4,771 |
| 11 years | $-3,074 |
| 13 years | $-1,377 |
| 15 years | $319 |
| 17 years | $2,016 |
| 19 years | $3,713 |
| 21 years | $5,409 |
| 23 years | $7,106 |
| 25 years | $8,802 |
Top Solar Installers in Jenkins
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
See all of the solar companies in Jenkins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jenkins
For many Jenkins homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jenkins, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Jenkins average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jenkins to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $7,177 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,855 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,676 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,640 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,746 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,995 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $25,387 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $28,922 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Jenkins, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Jenkins, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jenkins?
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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Jenkins?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 account for 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.