Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lebanon, PA (Mar 2023)
- Lebanon Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,298
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lebanon
We go over average solar pricing in Lebanon.
The average cost of a solar system in Lebanon is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lebanon, the average price of going solar will be about $11,870 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lebanon homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large initial cost, the average Lebanon homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Lebanon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lebanon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,864 |
| 3 years | $-8,850 |
| 5 years | $-6,837 |
| 7 years | $-4,823 |
| 9 years | $-2,810 |
| 11 years | $-796 |
| 13 years | $1,217 |
| 15 years | $3,231 |
| 17 years | $5,244 |
| 19 years | $7,258 |
| 21 years | $9,271 |
| 23 years | $11,285 |
| 25 years | $13,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Lebanon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Lebanon, we've organized 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Lebanon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lebanon
The cost of installing a solar system in Lebanon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, 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. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lebanon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Lebanon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lebanon is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,572 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,714 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,000 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,428 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,000 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,714 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,570 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,570 | 10.6 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. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: 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 the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Lebanon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lebanon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lebanon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $757.00 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Lebanon?
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 their energy production 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.