Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Castle, PA (Mar 2023)
- New Castle Solar Installation Cost: $12,495
- 25-Year Savings: $12,132
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Castle
See how much it might cost to go solar in New Castle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in New Castle, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,495 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average New Castle homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Castle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,510 |
| 3 years | $-9,540 |
| 5 years | $-7,570 |
| 7 years | $-5,600 |
| 9 years | $-3,629 |
| 11 years | $-1,659 |
| 13 years | $311 |
| 15 years | $2,281 |
| 17 years | $4,251 |
| 19 years | $6,221 |
| 21 years | $8,191 |
| 23 years | $10,162 |
| 25 years | $12,132 |
Top Solar Installers in New Castle
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 New Castle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Castle
The cost of installing a solar system in New Castle can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in New Castle, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in New Castle to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in New Castle, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,983 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,596 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,352 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,251 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,293 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,477 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,805 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $38,275 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in New Castle, 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 large role in the company you go with.
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 New Castle, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Castle?
The average cost of solar panels in New Castle is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in New Castle?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $704.05 per year.
How long do solar panels last in New Castle?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.