Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Whitehall, PA (Mar 2023)
- North Whitehall Solar Installation Cost: $11,924
- 25-Year Savings: $12,709
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Whitehall
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in North Whitehall.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Whitehall, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,924 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Whitehall see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Whitehall
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,938 |
| 3 years | $-8,968 |
| 5 years | $-6,997 |
| 7 years | $-5,027 |
| 9 years | $-3,056 |
| 11 years | $-1,086 |
| 13 years | $885 |
| 15 years | $2,856 |
| 17 years | $4,826 |
| 19 years | $6,797 |
| 21 years | $8,768 |
| 23 years | $10,738 |
| 25 years | $12,709 |
Top Solar Installers in North Whitehall
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 North Whitehall
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Whitehall
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in North Whitehall: 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 panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production 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 $2,550. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the North Whitehall average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many North Whitehall homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. North Whitehall's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,998 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,949 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,043 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,281 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,660 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,183 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,849 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,657 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in North Whitehall, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about 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
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 North Whitehall, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Whitehall?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Whitehall?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in North Whitehall is currently $237,256, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,727 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in North Whitehall is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.