Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lawrence, PA (2024 Update)
- Lawrence Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $19,235
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lawrence
We go over average solar pricing in Lawrence.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lawrence typically cost around 4.The average Lawrence homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,543 with the federal tax credit, or $25,086 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lawrence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,066 |
| 3 years | $-13,111 |
| 5 years | $-10,156 |
| 7 years | $-7,201 |
| 9 years | $-4,246 |
| 11 years | $-1,291 |
| 13 years | $1,664 |
| 15 years | $4,619 |
| 17 years | $7,574 |
| 19 years | $10,529 |
| 21 years | $13,484 |
| 23 years | $16,439 |
| 25 years | $19,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Lawrence
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Lawrence, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Lawrence, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Lawrence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lawrence
The cost of installing a solar system in Lawrence can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lawrence is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Lawrence are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $11,552 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,800 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $20,247 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $24,893 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $29,737 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $34,781 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $40,023 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $45,464 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Lawrence, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Lawrence, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lawrence?
The average cost of solar panels in Lawrence 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Lawrence?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lawrence, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Lawrence have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.