Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Carmel, PA (2024 Update)

  • Mount Carmel Solar Installation Cost: $17,125
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,010
  • Payback Period: 17.6 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Mount Carmel

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mount Carmel.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mount Carmel, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Mount Carmel, the average price of going solar will be about $17,125 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mount Carmel see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Mount Carmel, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mount Carmel

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,780
3 years $-13,088
5 years $-10,397
7 years $-7,706
9 years $-5,015
11 years $-2,324
13 years $368
15 years $3,059
17 years $5,750
19 years $8,441
21 years $11,132
23 years $13,823
25 years $16,515

Top Solar Installers in Mount Carmel

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Mount Carmel

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Carmel

For many Mount Carmel homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mount Carmel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mount Carmel to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Mount Carmel homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mount Carmel is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Mount Carmel 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 help you save 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 $5,660 18.3 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $7,944 18.0 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $10,427 17.6 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $13,108 17.3 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $15,989 16.9 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $19,068 16.6 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $22,346 16.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $25,823 15.8 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 Mount Carmel, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Carmel?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mount Carmel?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

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 Mount Carmel is currently $43,799, which means you can expect a value of about $1,796 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mount Carmel is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 choose to replace them once you've had 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.

Follow us