Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palmer Heights, PA (2024 Update)
- Palmer Heights Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
- 25-Year Savings: $12,983
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palmer Heights
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Palmer Heights.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Palmer Heights typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Palmer Heights is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,665 for a solar installation, or $23,831 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Palmer Heights homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity 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 Palmer Heights for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Palmer Heights
| 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 Heights
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palmer Heights
There are many factors that can influence your total 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
One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Palmer Heights.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Palmer Heights homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Palmer Heights’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Heights, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palmer Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Palmer Heights is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Palmer Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Palmer Heights?
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 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.