Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Heidelberg, PA (2024 Update)
- Lower Heidelberg Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Heidelberg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lower Heidelberg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lower Heidelberg is 4 per watt.The average Lower Heidelberg homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,528 with the federal tax credit, or $23,635 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Lower Heidelberg homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Lower Heidelberg for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Lower Heidelberg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Heidelberg
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Heidelberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Heidelberg
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Lower Heidelberg: 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lower Heidelberg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lower Heidelberg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lower Heidelberg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Lower Heidelberg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,005 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,737 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,669 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,799 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,128 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,656 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,382 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,308 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Heidelberg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lower Heidelberg?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Heidelberg is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind 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 without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Lower Heidelberg?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.