Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palmer, PA (2024 Update)
- Palmer Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
- 25-Year Savings: $14,409
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palmer
See how much it might cost to go solar in Palmer.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Palmer generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,665 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Palmer homeowner. 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.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Palmer find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Palmer for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Palmer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,422 |
| 3 years | $-12,936 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-7,964 |
| 9 years | $-5,478 |
| 11 years | $-2,992 |
| 13 years | $-506 |
| 15 years | $1,980 |
| 17 years | $4,466 |
| 19 years | $6,952 |
| 21 years | $9,438 |
| 23 years | $11,923 |
| 25 years | $14,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Palmer
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Palmer, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Palmer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palmer
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Palmer: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Palmer, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Palmer, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $6,820 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,490 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,360 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,428 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,695 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,161 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,826 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,690 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Palmer, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
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 Palmer, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palmer?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Palmer?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Palmer. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Palmer?
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.