Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Paxton, PA (2023 Update)

  • Lower Paxton Solar Installation Cost: $11,989
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,689
  • Payback Period: 12.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Paxton

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Lower Paxton.

In Lower Paxton, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lower Paxton, the average price of going solar will be about $11,995 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Lower Paxton homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Lower Paxton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,907
3 years $-11,742
5 years $-11,578
7 years $-11,413
9 years $-11,249
11 years $-11,084
13 years $-10,919
15 years $-10,755
17 years $-10,590
19 years $-10,426
21 years $-10,261
23 years $-10,097
25 years $-9,932

Top Solar Installers in Lower Paxton

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Lower Paxton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Paxton

Although the average cost of a solar system in Lower Paxton is $11,995, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Lower Paxton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Lower Paxton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $10,907 12.6 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $14,829 12.4 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $18,893 12.1 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $23,100 11.9 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $27,450 11.7 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $31,942 11.4 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $36,578 11.2 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $41,356 10.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lower Paxton, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Paxton?

The average cost of solar panels in Lower Paxton 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

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 $734.86 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Lower Paxton?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.

Follow us