Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Castle, PA (2024 Update)
- New Castle Solar Installation Cost: $17,384
- 25-Year Savings: $15,187
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Castle
We go over average solar pricing in New Castle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in New Castle, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in New Castle is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,384 for a solar installation, or $24,859 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in New Castle find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Castle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,081 |
| 3 years | $-13,476 |
| 5 years | $-10,870 |
| 7 years | $-8,264 |
| 9 years | $-5,659 |
| 11 years | $-3,053 |
| 13 years | $-447 |
| 15 years | $2,159 |
| 17 years | $4,764 |
| 19 years | $7,370 |
| 21 years | $9,976 |
| 23 years | $12,582 |
| 25 years | $15,187 |
Top Solar Installers in New Castle
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 New Castle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Castle
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in New Castle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like New Castle, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in New Castle to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in New Castle is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,615 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,884 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,352 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,019 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,885 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,949 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $22,213 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,675 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's New Castle, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Castle?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in New Castle?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in New Castle?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.