Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montoursville, PA (2023 Update)
- Montoursville Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $14,889
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montoursville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Montoursville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Montoursville generally cost around 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,566 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free 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 | $-11,468 |
| 3 years | $-9,272 |
| 5 years | $-7,075 |
| 7 years | $-4,879 |
| 9 years | $-2,683 |
| 11 years | $-486 |
| 13 years | $1,710 |
| 15 years | $3,907 |
| 17 years | $6,103 |
| 19 years | $8,299 |
| 21 years | $10,496 |
| 23 years | $12,692 |
| 25 years | $14,889 |
Top Solar Installers in Montoursville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Montoursville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montoursville
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Montoursville to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Montoursville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,255 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,625 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,139 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,795 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,594 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,536 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,620 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,848 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Montoursville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montoursville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Montoursville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.