Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mechanicsburg, PA (Mar 2023)
- Mechanicsburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $13,637
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mechanicsburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Mechanicsburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mechanicsburg generally cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Mechanicsburg is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,888 for a solar installation, or $17,000 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 panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Mechanicsburg can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mechanicsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,867 |
| 3 years | $-8,825 |
| 5 years | $-6,783 |
| 7 years | $-4,741 |
| 9 years | $-2,699 |
| 11 years | $-657 |
| 13 years | $1,385 |
| 15 years | $3,427 |
| 17 years | $5,469 |
| 19 years | $7,511 |
| 21 years | $9,553 |
| 23 years | $11,595 |
| 25 years | $13,637 |
Top Solar Installers in Mechanicsburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Mechanicsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicsburg
For many Mechanicsburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mechanicsburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mechanicsburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Mechanicsburg provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Mechanicsburg homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mechanicsburg is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 | $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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Mechanicsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mechanicsburg?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mechanicsburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mechanicsburg?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.