Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, PA (2023 Update)

  • Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,900
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Middletown

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Middletown.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Middletown is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Middletown is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,745 for a solar installation, or $16,795 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Middletown can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Middletown, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Middletown

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,679
3 years $-8,548
5 years $-6,416
7 years $-4,285
9 years $-2,153
11 years $-21
13 years $2,110
15 years $4,242
17 years $6,374
19 years $8,505
21 years $10,637
23 years $12,769
25 years $14,900

Top Solar Installers in Middletown

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Middletown:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Middletown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown

The cost of installing a solar system in Middletown 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 company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Middletown is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $13,146 11.5 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $17,813 11.2 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $22,623 11.0 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $27,576 10.8 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $32,672 10.6 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $37,911 10.4 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $43,293 10.1 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $48,817 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: When reading 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 like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Middletown, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middletown?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase your 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 Middletown is currently $356,206, so you can look forward to a value of about $14,604 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middletown is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Middletown?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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