Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northwest Harborcreek, PA (2024 Update)

  • Northwest Harborcreek Solar Installation Cost: $17,209
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,238
  • Payback Period: 14.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Northwest Harborcreek

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Northwest Harborcreek.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northwest Harborcreek, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,209 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Northwest Harborcreek based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Northwest Harborcreek can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Northwest Harborcreek for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Northwest Harborcreek

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,732
3 years$-12,777
5 years$-9,822
7 years$-6,867
9 years$-3,912
11 years$-957
13 years$1,998
15 years$4,953
17 years$7,908
19 years$10,863
21 years$13,818
23 years$16,772
25 years$19,727

Top Solar Installers in Northwest Harborcreek

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Northwest Harborcreek

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northwest Harborcreek

There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northwest Harborcreek, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Northwest Harborcreek to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Northwest Harborcreek, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$11,00414.6 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$15,07014.3 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$19,33514.1 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$23,79813.8 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$28,46013.5 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$33,32113.2 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$38,38112.9 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$43,63912.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Northwest Harborcreek, 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:

  • Contract: When reading over 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Northwest Harborcreek, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek?

The average cost of solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northwest Harborcreek?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 home 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.