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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Menallen it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Menallen is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,457 for a solar installation, or $24,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
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
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Menallen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menallen
Though the average cost of a solar system in Menallen is $17,457, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Menallen, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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
There are a large number of companies available in Menallen, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 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 variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, 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 Menallen?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits 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 power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $599.12 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.