Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Castle, PA (2023 Update)
- New Castle Solar Installation Cost: $12,487
- 25-Year Savings: $12,139
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Castle
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in New Castle.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Castle typically cost around 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,495 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of New Castle homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average New Castle homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Castle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,184 |
| 3 years | $-8,579 |
| 5 years | $-5,973 |
| 7 years | $-3,367 |
| 9 years | $-762 |
| 11 years | $1,844 |
| 13 years | $4,450 |
| 15 years | $7,056 |
| 17 years | $9,661 |
| 19 years | $12,267 |
| 21 years | $14,873 |
| 23 years | $17,479 |
| 25 years | $20,084 |
Top Solar Installers in New Castle
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 New Castle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Castle
While the average cost of a solar system in New Castle is $12,495, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in New Castle. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many New Castle homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for New Castle homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. New Castle's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 New Castle, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in New Castle?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in New Castle, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.