Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Frederick, PA (2023 Update)
- Lower Frederick Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
- 25-Year Savings: $14,045
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Frederick
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Lower Frederick.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lower Frederick generally cost around 2.55. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lower Frederick, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Lower Frederick homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Frederick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,474 |
| 3 years | $-7,913 |
| 5 years | $-5,353 |
| 7 years | $-2,792 |
| 9 years | $-231 |
| 11 years | $2,330 |
| 13 years | $4,891 |
| 15 years | $7,452 |
| 17 years | $10,013 |
| 19 years | $12,574 |
| 21 years | $15,135 |
| 23 years | $17,696 |
| 25 years | $20,257 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Frederick
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Lower Frederick, 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 Lower Frederick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Frederick
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Lower Frederick is $11,763, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Lower Frederick homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Lower Frederick's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,368 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,776 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,327 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,021 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,858 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,837 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,960 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,225 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. 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 make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Frederick, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Frederick?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Frederick 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lower Frederick?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $783.55 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.