Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lehman, PA (2023 Update)
- Lehman Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $13,030
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lehman
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lehman.
The average cost of a solar system in Lehman is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Lehman is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,138 for a solar installation, or $17,357 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lehman homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Lehman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,131 |
| 3 years | $-9,118 |
| 5 years | $-7,104 |
| 7 years | $-5,091 |
| 9 years | $-3,077 |
| 11 years | $-1,064 |
| 13 years | $950 |
| 15 years | $2,963 |
| 17 years | $4,977 |
| 19 years | $6,990 |
| 21 years | $9,004 |
| 23 years | $11,017 |
| 25 years | $13,030 |
Top Solar Installers in Lehman
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Lehman, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Lehman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lehman
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lehman: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lehman to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lehman homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Lehman, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,060 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,032 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,147 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,405 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,805 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,349 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,035 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,864 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Lehman, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lehman?
The average cost of solar panels in Lehman is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lehman?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
Does Lehman have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Lehman?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 keep using 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.