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

  • Lower Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,760
  • Payback Period: 11.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Windsor

We break down average solar pricing in Lower Windsor.

The average cost of a solar system in Lower Windsor is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Lower Windsor is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,781 for a solar installation, or $16,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Lower Windsor depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Lower Windsor homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Lower Windsor for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Lower Windsor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,759
3 years $-8,716
5 years $-6,673
7 years $-4,629
9 years $-2,586
11 years $-543
13 years $1,500
15 years $3,544
17 years $5,587
19 years $7,630
21 years $9,674
23 years $11,717
25 years $13,760

Top Solar Installers in Lower Windsor

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Lower Windsor, optimizing your ROI.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Windsor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Windsor

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Lower Windsor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Lower Windsor have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Lower Windsor, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $2.65 $11,138 $12,084 12.0 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,398 11.8 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,855 11.5 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $25,454 11.3 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $30,196 11.1 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $35,081 10.8 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $40,109 10.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $45,279 10.4 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer'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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Windsor, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lower Windsor?

The average cost of solar panels in Lower Windsor 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Lower Windsor?

A solar panel system isn't free in Lower Windsor, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 higher 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.

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