Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Macungie, PA (2024 Update)
- Lower Macungie Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
- 25-Year Savings: $12,744
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Macungie
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Lower Macungie.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lower Macungie generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,591 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lower Macungie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,284 |
| 3 years | $-12,670 |
| 5 years | $-10,056 |
| 7 years | $-7,442 |
| 9 years | $-4,827 |
| 11 years | $-2,213 |
| 13 years | $401 |
| 15 years | $3,015 |
| 17 years | $5,630 |
| 19 years | $8,244 |
| 21 years | $10,858 |
| 23 years | $13,472 |
| 25 years | $16,087 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Macungie
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Macungie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Macungie
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Lower Macungie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lower Macungie, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lower Macungie have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lower Macungie homeowners, they can also increase 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lower Macungie is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $6,656 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,272 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,087 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,101 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,314 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,725 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,335 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,144 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Macungie, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lower Macungie?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Macungie is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lower Macungie?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Lower Macungie?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.