Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Penn, PA (2023 Update)

  • Mount Penn Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,727
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Mount Penn

We go over average solar pricing in Mount Penn.

In Mount Penn, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mount Penn, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,870, or $16,974 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Mount Penn can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mount Penn

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,846
3 years $-8,799
5 years $-6,751
7 years $-4,703
9 years $-2,655
11 years $-607
13 years $1,440
15 years $3,488
17 years $5,536
19 years $7,584
21 years $9,631
23 years $11,679
25 years $13,727

Top Solar Installers in Mount Penn

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Penn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Penn

For many Mount Penn homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mount Penn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 about $2,550. 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 over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mount Penn average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mount Penn to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mount Penn homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Mount Penn's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 add-on services like electric vehicle 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 $2.65 $11,138 $11,953 12.1 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,223 11.8 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,636 11.6 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $25,192 11.4 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $29,890 11.1 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $34,731 10.9 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $39,715 10.7 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $44,842 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Mount Penn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

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 Penn, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Penn?

The average cost of solar panels in Mount Penn is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Mount Penn?

You can't get solar panels for free in Mount Penn. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mount Penn is currently $171,700, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,040 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mount Penn is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.

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