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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 typically cost around 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 only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.

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

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Mechanicsburg, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Mechanicsburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicsburg

Though the average cost of a solar system in Mechanicsburg is $16,556, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mechanicsburg average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Mechanicsburg provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

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 hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Mechanicsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mechanicsburg?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mechanicsburg?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $766.23 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.

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