Solar Panel Cost Guide in McSherrystown, PA (2023 Update)
- McSherrystown Solar Installation Cost: $11,828
- 25-Year Savings: $15,316
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in McSherrystown
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in McSherrystown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in McSherrystown it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in McSherrystown is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,835 for a solar installation, or $16,924 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in McSherrystown depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average McSherrystown homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in McSherrystown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McSherrystown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,738 |
| 3 years | $-11,557 |
| 5 years | $-11,376 |
| 7 years | $-11,195 |
| 9 years | $-11,014 |
| 11 years | $-10,833 |
| 13 years | $-10,652 |
| 15 years | $-10,471 |
| 17 years | $-10,290 |
| 19 years | $-10,109 |
| 21 years | $-9,928 |
| 23 years | $-9,747 |
| 25 years | $-9,566 |
Top Solar Installers in McSherrystown
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in McSherrystown, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 McSherrystown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McSherrystown
For many McSherrystown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in McSherrystown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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 a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in McSherrystown know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,439 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,204 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,113 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,163 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,357 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,694 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,173 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,795 | 9.8 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 McSherrystown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McSherrystown?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in McSherrystown?
A solar panel system isn't free in McSherrystown, 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 power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $819.25 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.