Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Swatara, PA (2024 Update)
- Lower Swatara Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,837
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Swatara
We break down average solar pricing in Lower Swatara.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lower Swatara, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover 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 $16,690, or $23,867 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lower Swatara homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Lower Swatara homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Lower Swatara, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Swatara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,413 |
| 3 years | $-12,859 |
| 5 years | $-10,304 |
| 7 years | $-7,750 |
| 9 years | $-5,196 |
| 11 years | $-2,641 |
| 13 years | $-87 |
| 15 years | $2,467 |
| 17 years | $5,022 |
| 19 years | $7,576 |
| 21 years | $10,131 |
| 23 years | $12,685 |
| 25 years | $15,239 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Swatara
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Lower Swatara, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Swatara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Swatara
The cost of installing a solar system in Lower Swatara can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lower Swatara provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally 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 extra services like electric car 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,671 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,292 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,112 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,131 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,348 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,765 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,380 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,194 | 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Swatara, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Swatara?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Lower Swatara?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Lower Swatara?
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 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.