Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Swatara, PA (2023 Update)
- Lower Swatara Solar Installation Cost: $11,989
- 25-Year Savings: $12,837
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Swatara
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lower Swatara.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lower Swatara it's 2.55 per watt. The average Lower Swatara homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,995 with the federal tax credit, or $17,153 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lower Swatara depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Lower Swatara, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Swatara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,712 |
| 3 years | $-8,157 |
| 5 years | $-5,603 |
| 7 years | $-3,049 |
| 9 years | $-494 |
| 11 years | $2,060 |
| 13 years | $4,615 |
| 15 years | $7,169 |
| 17 years | $9,723 |
| 19 years | $12,278 |
| 21 years | $14,832 |
| 23 years | $17,386 |
| 25 years | $19,941 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Swatara
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
See all of the solar companies in Lower Swatara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Swatara
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lower Swatara average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 large number of companies available in Lower Swatara, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies 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 locations and energy needs. While 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 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
EcoWatch's Lower Swatara, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Swatara?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Swatara 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Lower Swatara?
You can't get solar panels for free in Lower Swatara. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lower Swatara is currently $156,332, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,410 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lower Swatara is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.