Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Freedom, PA (Mar 2023)

  • New Freedom Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,363
  • Payback Period: 10.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 New Freedom

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in New Freedom.

The average cost of a solar system in New Freedom is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in New Freedom is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,781 for a solar installation, or $16,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To get a free estimate from a top solar company in New Freedom, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in New Freedom

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,695
3 years $-8,524
5 years $-6,352
7 years $-4,181
9 years $-2,009
11 years $162
13 years $2,334
15 years $4,506
17 years $6,677
19 years $8,849
21 years $11,020
23 years $13,192
25 years $15,363

Top Solar Installers in New Freedom

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Freedom

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Freedom

There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like New Freedom, where sunlight is relatively 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in New Freedom have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact your pricing. New Freedom's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in New Freedom have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $13,542 11.3 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $18,342 11.1 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $23,284 10.8 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $28,369 10.6 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $33,597 10.4 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $38,968 10.2 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $44,481 10.0 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $50,138 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in New Freedom, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Freedom, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Freedom?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in New Freedom?

You can't get solar panels for free in New Freedom. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in New Freedom?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

Follow us