Solar Panel Cost Guide in Luzerne, PA (2023 Update)
- Luzerne Solar Installation Cost: $12,539
- 25-Year Savings: $8,505
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Luzerne
We break down average solar pricing in Luzerne.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Luzerne is 2.55 per watt. The average Luzerne homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,531 with the federal tax credit, or $17,919 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Luzerne that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Luzerne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,469 |
| 3 years | $-12,329 |
| 5 years | $-12,189 |
| 7 years | $-12,048 |
| 9 years | $-11,908 |
| 11 years | $-11,768 |
| 13 years | $-11,627 |
| 15 years | $-11,487 |
| 17 years | $-11,347 |
| 19 years | $-11,206 |
| 21 years | $-11,066 |
| 23 years | $-10,926 |
| 25 years | $-10,786 |
Top Solar Installers in Luzerne
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Luzerne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Luzerne
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Luzerne: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Luzerne average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Luzerne, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $6,835 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,399 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,106 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,956 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,948 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,084 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,362 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,782 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company'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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and 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
EcoWatch's Luzerne, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Luzerne?
The average cost of solar panels in Luzerne 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Luzerne?
A solar panel system isn't free in Luzerne, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $599.12 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.