Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Allen, PA (2024 Update)
- Lower Allen Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $15,373
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Allen
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Lower Allen.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lower Allen it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lower Allen is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,556 for a solar installation, or $23,675 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Lower Allen depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,279 |
| 3 years | $-12,725 |
| 5 years | $-10,170 |
| 7 years | $-7,616 |
| 9 years | $-5,061 |
| 11 years | $-2,507 |
| 13 years | $47 |
| 15 years | $2,602 |
| 17 years | $5,156 |
| 19 years | $7,710 |
| 21 years | $10,265 |
| 23 years | $12,819 |
| 25 years | $15,373 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Allen
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Lower Allen, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Lower Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Allen
For many Lower Allen homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lower Allen, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Lower Allen, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lower Allen average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,154 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,936 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,918 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,098 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,476 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,054 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,830 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,805 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Lower Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Allen?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality 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 less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lower Allen?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lower Allen. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Lower Allen, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy 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.