Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menallen, PA (2024 Update)
- Menallen Solar Installation Cost: $17,457
- 25-Year Savings: $8,505
- Payback Period: 20.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menallen
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Menallen.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Menallen, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,457 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $11,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Menallen find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Menallen that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Menallen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,374 |
| 3 years | $-14,208 |
| 5 years | $-12,042 |
| 7 years | $-9,876 |
| 9 years | $-7,710 |
| 11 years | $-5,545 |
| 13 years | $-3,379 |
| 15 years | $-1,213 |
| 17 years | $953 |
| 19 years | $3,119 |
| 21 years | $5,284 |
| 23 years | $7,450 |
| 25 years | $9,616 |
Top Solar Installers in Menallen
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer 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 lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Menallen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menallen
For many Menallen homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to 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 numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Menallen.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Menallen to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Menallen 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Menallen, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $2,467 | 21.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,687 | 21.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,106 | 20.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $6,724 | 20.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $8,540 | 19.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $10,556 | 19.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $12,770 | 19.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $15,182 | 18.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Menallen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Menallen?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Menallen?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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.
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 throughout Menallen, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.