Solar Panel Cost Guide in Level Green, PA (2023 Update)
- Level Green Solar Installation Cost: $12,552
- 25-Year Savings: $12,827
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Level Green
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Level Green.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Level Green generally cost about 2.55. The average Level Green homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,549 with the federal tax credit, or $17,945 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Level Green based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Level Green, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Level Green
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,915 |
| 3 years | $-7,642 |
| 5 years | $-4,368 |
| 7 years | $-1,094 |
| 9 years | $2,180 |
| 11 years | $5,454 |
| 13 years | $8,728 |
| 15 years | $12,001 |
| 17 years | $15,275 |
| 19 years | $18,549 |
| 21 years | $21,823 |
| 23 years | $25,097 |
| 25 years | $28,371 |
Top Solar Installers in Level Green
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Level Green
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Level Green
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Level Green: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Level Green. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to add 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Level Green's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 extra services like electric car 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 | $10,516 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,306 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,240 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,316 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,536 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,897 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,402 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,050 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should go with, 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 Level Green, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Level Green?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Level Green?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Level Green?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.