Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mechanicsburg, PA (2023 Update)
- Mechanicsburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,892
- 25-Year Savings: $13,633
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mechanicsburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Mechanicsburg.
In Mechanicsburg, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Mechanicsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $11,888 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Mechanicsburg homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Mechanicsburg can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Mechanicsburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mechanicsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,807 |
| 3 years | $-11,637 |
| 5 years | $-11,467 |
| 7 years | $-11,297 |
| 9 years | $-11,127 |
| 11 years | $-10,957 |
| 13 years | $-10,786 |
| 15 years | $-10,616 |
| 17 years | $-10,446 |
| 19 years | $-10,276 |
| 21 years | $-10,106 |
| 23 years | $-9,936 |
| 25 years | $-9,765 |
Top Solar Installers in Mechanicsburg
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Mechanicsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicsburg
There are several factors that can influence your solar system 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Mechanicsburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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 solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mechanicsburg, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mechanicsburg homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,849 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,084 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,462 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,982 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,646 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,452 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,401 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,493 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall 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 consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
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 Mechanicsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mechanicsburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mechanicsburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mechanicsburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.