Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mechanicsburg, PA (2024 Update)
- Mechanicsburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $13,633
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mechanicsburg
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Mechanicsburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mechanicsburg generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Mechanicsburg is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,556 for a solar installation, or $23,675 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Mechanicsburg can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mechanicsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,262 |
| 3 years | $-12,673 |
| 5 years | $-10,085 |
| 7 years | $-7,496 |
| 9 years | $-4,908 |
| 11 years | $-2,319 |
| 13 years | $270 |
| 15 years | $2,858 |
| 17 years | $5,447 |
| 19 years | $8,035 |
| 21 years | $10,624 |
| 23 years | $13,212 |
| 25 years | $15,801 |
Top Solar Installers in Mechanicsburg
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in Mechanicsburg, we've organized 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Mechanicsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicsburg
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Mechanicsburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Mechanicsburg, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Mechanicsburg, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,481 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,372 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,462 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,750 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,238 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,924 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,809 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,893 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Mechanicsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mechanicsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Mechanicsburg is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mechanicsburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Mechanicsburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.