Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middle Smithfield, PA (2024 Update)

  • Middle Smithfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,089
  • Payback Period: 16.7 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 Middle Smithfield

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Middle Smithfield.

The average cost of solar panels in Middle Smithfield is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Middle Smithfield, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,902, or $24,170 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Middle Smithfield based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Middle Smithfield for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Middle Smithfield

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,659
3 years $-13,173
5 years $-10,687
7 years $-8,201
9 years $-5,715
11 years $-3,229
13 years $-743
15 years $1,743
17 years $4,229
19 years $6,715
21 years $9,201
23 years $11,687
25 years $14,172

Top Solar Installers in Middle Smithfield

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Middle Smithfield, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Middle Smithfield

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middle Smithfield

The cost of installing a solar system in Middle Smithfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, 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 Middle Smithfield average.

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 Middle Smithfield homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Middle Smithfield, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Middle Smithfield are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $6,750 17.4 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,397 17.1 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,243 16.7 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $15,289 16.4 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $18,532 16.1 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $21,975 15.7 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $25,617 15.4 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $29,457 15.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:

  • 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 need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Middle Smithfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middle Smithfield?

This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Middle Smithfield?

Solar panels aren’t free in Middle Smithfield, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Middle Smithfield is currently $294,571, which means you can look forward to a value of about $12,077 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middle Smithfield is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Middle Smithfield?

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 larger 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.

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