Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Swatara, PA (2023 Update)
- Lower Swatara Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $12,830
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Swatara
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lower Swatara.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lower Swatara, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Lower Swatara, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,995, or $17,153 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lower Swatara see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Swatara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-9,016 |
| 5 years | $-7,030 |
| 7 years | $-5,044 |
| 9 years | $-3,058 |
| 11 years | $-1,072 |
| 13 years | $914 |
| 15 years | $2,900 |
| 17 years | $4,886 |
| 19 years | $6,872 |
| 21 years | $8,858 |
| 23 years | $10,844 |
| 25 years | $12,830 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Swatara
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Lower Swatara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Swatara
While the average cost of a solar system in Lower Swatara is $11,995, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Lower Swatara, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $11,039 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,004 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,112 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,363 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,756 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,293 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,972 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,794 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Lower Swatara, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Lower Swatara, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Swatara?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lower Swatara?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.