Solar Panel Cost Guide in Macungie, PA (2023 Update)
- Macungie Solar Installation Cost: $11,918
- 25-Year Savings: $13,036
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Macungie
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Macungie.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Macungie generally cost about 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,924 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Macungie homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Macungie homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Macungie for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Macungie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,835 |
| 3 years | $-11,668 |
| 5 years | $-11,502 |
| 7 years | $-11,335 |
| 9 years | $-11,169 |
| 11 years | $-11,003 |
| 13 years | $-10,836 |
| 15 years | $-10,670 |
| 17 years | $-10,504 |
| 19 years | $-10,337 |
| 21 years | $-10,171 |
| 23 years | $-10,005 |
| 25 years | $-9,838 |
Top Solar Installers in Macungie
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Macungie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Macungie
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Macungie: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Macungie. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Macungie, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Macungie, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Macungie homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Macungie's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 | $11,287 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,335 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,525 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,859 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,335 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,954 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,716 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,620 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Macungie, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Macungie?
The average cost of solar panels in Macungie 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.