Solar Panel Cost Guide in Luzerne, PA (2024 Update)

  • Luzerne Solar Installation Cost: $17,457
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,505
  • Payback Period: 20.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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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 Luzerne

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Luzerne.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Luzerne, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Luzerne is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,457 for a solar installation, or $24,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Luzerne

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,374
3 years$-14,208
5 years$-12,042
7 years$-9,876
9 years$-7,710
11 years$-5,545
13 years$-3,379
15 years$-1,213
17 years$953
19 years$3,119
21 years$5,284
23 years$7,450
25 years$9,616

Top Solar Installers in Luzerne

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Luzerne

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Luzerne

There are many factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, 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 just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Luzerne to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Luzerne is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$2,46721.6 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$3,68721.2 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$5,10620.7 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$6,72420.3 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$8,54019.9 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$10,55619.5 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$12,77019.1 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$15,18218.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • 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 such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Luzerne, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Luzerne?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Luzerne?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Luzerne is currently $140,651, so you can expect a value of about $5,767 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Luzerne is a fruitful investment.

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 house 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.