Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Whitehall, PA (2024 Update)
- North Whitehall Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
- 25-Year Savings: $12,715
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Whitehall
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in North Whitehall.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Whitehall it’s 4 per watt.The average North Whitehall homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,591 with the federal tax credit, or $23,725 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Whitehall homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Whitehall see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in North Whitehall that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Whitehall
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,266 |
| 3 years | $-12,616 |
| 5 years | $-9,966 |
| 7 years | $-7,316 |
| 9 years | $-4,666 |
| 11 years | $-2,016 |
| 13 years | $635 |
| 15 years | $3,285 |
| 17 years | $5,935 |
| 19 years | $8,585 |
| 21 years | $11,235 |
| 23 years | $13,885 |
| 25 years | $16,535 |
Top Solar Installers in North Whitehall
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in North Whitehall, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 North Whitehall
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Whitehall
The cost of installing a solar system in North Whitehall can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in North Whitehall, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout North Whitehall, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $6,630 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,237 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,043 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,049 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,252 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,655 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,257 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,057 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get 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 North Whitehall, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Whitehall?
The average cost of solar panels in North Whitehall is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Whitehall?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Whitehall, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in North Whitehall?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.