Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northwest Harborcreek, PA (Mar 2023)
- Northwest Harborcreek Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $18,229
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northwest Harborcreek
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Northwest Harborcreek.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Northwest Harborcreek is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $12,370 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northwest Harborcreek homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Northwest Harborcreek homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Northwest Harborcreek that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northwest Harborcreek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,146 |
| 3 years | $-8,698 |
| 5 years | $-6,250 |
| 7 years | $-3,802 |
| 9 years | $-1,354 |
| 11 years | $1,094 |
| 13 years | $3,542 |
| 15 years | $5,990 |
| 17 years | $8,437 |
| 19 years | $10,885 |
| 21 years | $13,333 |
| 23 years | $15,781 |
| 25 years | $18,229 |
Top Solar Installers in Northwest Harborcreek
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Northwest Harborcreek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northwest Harborcreek
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Northwest Harborcreek: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Northwest Harborcreek, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $15,372 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $20,782 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $26,335 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $32,030 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $37,868 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $43,849 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $49,973 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $56,239 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer'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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Northwest Harborcreek, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Northwest Harborcreek?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.