Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mahanoy, PA (2023 Update)
- Mahanoy Solar Installation Cost: $12,114
- 25-Year Savings: $12,197
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mahanoy
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Mahanoy.
In Mahanoy, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,120 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Mahanoy homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mahanoy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,033 |
| 3 years | $-11,871 |
| 5 years | $-11,709 |
| 7 years | $-11,547 |
| 9 years | $-11,384 |
| 11 years | $-11,222 |
| 13 years | $-11,060 |
| 15 years | $-10,898 |
| 17 years | $-10,736 |
| 19 years | $-10,574 |
| 21 years | $-10,412 |
| 23 years | $-10,250 |
| 25 years | $-10,088 |
Top Solar Installers in Mahanoy
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Mahanoy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mahanoy
The cost of installing a solar system in Mahanoy can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 Mahanoy. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mahanoy to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Mahanoy, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $10,355 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,092 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,972 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,995 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,161 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,469 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,920 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,514 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Mahanoy, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mahanoy?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mahanoy?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Mahanoy?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.