Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oreland, PA (2024 Update)
- Oreland Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oreland
We break down average solar pricing in Oreland.
In Oreland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,365 before the 0 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 multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Oreland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oreland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,074 |
| 3 years | $-12,494 |
| 5 years | $-9,913 |
| 7 years | $-7,333 |
| 9 years | $-4,752 |
| 11 years | $-2,172 |
| 13 years | $409 |
| 15 years | $2,990 |
| 17 years | $5,570 |
| 19 years | $8,151 |
| 21 years | $10,731 |
| 23 years | $13,312 |
| 25 years | $15,892 |
Top Solar Installers in Oreland
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Oreland:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Oreland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oreland
The cost of installing a solar system in Oreland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Oreland.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably 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 out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Oreland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Oreland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Oreland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $8,771 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,092 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,612 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,330 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,248 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,364 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,679 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,193 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Oreland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oreland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oreland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.