Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menallen, PA (2023 Update)
- Menallen Solar Installation Cost: $12,539
- 25-Year Savings: $8,505
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menallen
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Menallen.
In Menallen, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Menallen, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,531, or $17,919 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Menallen depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Menallen see about $11,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Menallen, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Menallen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,456 |
| 3 years | $-9,291 |
| 5 years | $-7,125 |
| 7 years | $-4,959 |
| 9 years | $-2,793 |
| 11 years | $-627 |
| 13 years | $1,538 |
| 15 years | $3,704 |
| 17 years | $5,870 |
| 19 years | $8,036 |
| 21 years | $10,202 |
| 23 years | $12,368 |
| 25 years | $14,533 |
Top Solar Installers in Menallen
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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
See all of the solar companies in Menallen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menallen
For many Menallen homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Menallen, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Menallen, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Menallen homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Menallen homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Menallen, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $6,835 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,399 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,106 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,956 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,948 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,084 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,362 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,782 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify 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
EcoWatch's Menallen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Menallen?
The average cost of solar panels in Menallen is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 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 cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $599.12 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.