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
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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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Lower Allen:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Lower Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Allen
There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 around $3,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Lower Allen, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Lower Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Lower Allen?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lower Allen. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase 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 can accommodate 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.