Solar Panel Cost Guide in Muhlenberg, PA (2023 Update)
- Muhlenberg Solar Installation Cost: $11,872
- 25-Year Savings: $13,725
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Muhlenberg
We break down average solar pricing in Muhlenberg.
The average cost of solar panels in Muhlenberg is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Muhlenberg, the average price of going solar will be about $11,870 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Muhlenberg depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Muhlenberg can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Muhlenberg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,787 |
| 3 years | $-11,616 |
| 5 years | $-11,446 |
| 7 years | $-11,275 |
| 9 years | $-11,104 |
| 11 years | $-10,934 |
| 13 years | $-10,763 |
| 15 years | $-10,592 |
| 17 years | $-10,422 |
| 19 years | $-10,251 |
| 21 years | $-10,080 |
| 23 years | $-9,910 |
| 25 years | $-9,739 |
Top Solar Installers in Muhlenberg
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Muhlenberg, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Muhlenberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Muhlenberg
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Muhlenberg. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Muhlenberg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Muhlenberg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Muhlenberg?
The average cost of solar panels in Muhlenberg 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Muhlenberg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Muhlenberg. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Muhlenberg?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 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.