Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northumberland, PA (2023 Update)
- Northumberland Solar Installation Cost: $12,299
- 25-Year Savings: $8,125
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northumberland
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Northumberland.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Northumberland is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Northumberland, the average price of going solar will be about $12,299 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Northumberland based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Northumberland homeowner can save around $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Northumberland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,482 |
| 3 years | $-9,848 |
| 5 years | $-8,214 |
| 7 years | $-6,580 |
| 9 years | $-4,946 |
| 11 years | $-3,312 |
| 13 years | $-1,678 |
| 15 years | $-45 |
| 17 years | $1,589 |
| 19 years | $3,223 |
| 21 years | $4,857 |
| 23 years | $6,491 |
| 25 years | $8,125 |
Top Solar Installers in Northumberland
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
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
See all of the solar companies in Northumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northumberland
The cost of installing a solar system in Northumberland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home 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 a solar system in Northumberland, one of the most important 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Northumberland average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Northumberland, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $6,643 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,143 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $11,786 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,572 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,500 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $20,571 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $23,785 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,142 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Northumberland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northumberland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Northumberland?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.