Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Allen, PA (2023 Update)
- Lower Allen Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $13,274
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Allen
See how much it might cost to go solar in Lower Allen.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lower Allen it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Lower Allen is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,888 for a solar installation, or $17,000 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lower Allen find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Lower Allen, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,882 |
| 3 years | $-8,869 |
| 5 years | $-6,856 |
| 7 years | $-4,843 |
| 9 years | $-2,830 |
| 11 years | $-817 |
| 13 years | $1,196 |
| 15 years | $3,209 |
| 17 years | $5,222 |
| 19 years | $7,235 |
| 21 years | $9,248 |
| 23 years | $11,261 |
| 25 years | $13,274 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Allen
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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 Lower Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Allen
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Lower Allen: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Lower Allen. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, 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. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lower Allen, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $11,522 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,648 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,918 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,330 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,884 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,582 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,422 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,405 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Lower Allen, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Lower Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lower Allen?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Allen is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lower Allen?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Lower Allen?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.