Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montoursville, PA (2024 Update)
- Montoursville Solar Installation Cost: $17,499
- 25-Year Savings: $14,886
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montoursville
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Montoursville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montoursville, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,499 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montoursville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,021 |
| 3 years | $-13,066 |
| 5 years | $-10,111 |
| 7 years | $-7,156 |
| 9 years | $-4,201 |
| 11 years | $-1,247 |
| 13 years | $1,708 |
| 15 years | $4,663 |
| 17 years | $7,618 |
| 19 years | $10,573 |
| 21 years | $13,528 |
| 23 years | $16,483 |
| 25 years | $19,438 |
Top Solar Installers in Montoursville
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Montoursville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montoursville
While the average cost of a solar system in Montoursville is $17,499, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 around $3,550 per kilowatt in Montoursville.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Montoursville average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Montoursville, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Montoursville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,887 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,913 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,139 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,563 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,186 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,008 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,028 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,248 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Montoursville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montoursville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Montoursville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Montoursville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Montoursville?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.