Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Heidelberg, PA (2023 Update)
- Lower Heidelberg Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,084
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Heidelberg
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lower Heidelberg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lower Heidelberg, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Lower Heidelberg homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,870 with the federal tax credit, or $16,974 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lower Heidelberg depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Lower Heidelberg homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Heidelberg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,872 |
| 3 years | $-8,876 |
| 5 years | $-6,879 |
| 7 years | $-4,883 |
| 9 years | $-2,887 |
| 11 years | $-890 |
| 13 years | $1,106 |
| 15 years | $3,102 |
| 17 years | $5,098 |
| 19 years | $7,095 |
| 21 years | $9,091 |
| 23 years | $11,087 |
| 25 years | $13,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Heidelberg
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Heidelberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Heidelberg
The cost of installing a solar system in Lower Heidelberg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Lower Heidelberg. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lower Heidelberg, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lower Heidelberg is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Lower Heidelberg have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $11,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,449 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,669 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,031 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,536 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,184 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,974 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,908 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- 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 brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Heidelberg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Heidelberg?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Heidelberg 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lower Heidelberg?
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 can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lower Heidelberg is currently $224,197, so you can look forward to a value of about $9,192 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lower Heidelberg is a fruitful investment.
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 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.