Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palmer Heights, PA (Mar 2023)
- Palmer Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,977
- 25-Year Savings: $12,977
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palmer Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Palmer Heights.
The average cost of solar panels in Palmer Heights is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,977 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Palmer Heights based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Palmer Heights find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Palmer Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palmer Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,979 |
| 3 years | $-8,983 |
| 5 years | $-6,987 |
| 7 years | $-4,990 |
| 9 years | $-2,994 |
| 11 years | $-998 |
| 13 years | $999 |
| 15 years | $2,995 |
| 17 years | $4,991 |
| 19 years | $6,988 |
| 21 years | $8,984 |
| 23 years | $10,980 |
| 25 years | $12,977 |
Top Solar Installers in Palmer Heights
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of 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 Palmer Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palmer Heights
For many Palmer Heights homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Palmer Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Palmer Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Palmer Heights have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $11,188 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,202 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,360 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,660 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,103 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,689 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,418 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,290 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Palmer Heights, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Palmer Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Palmer Heights?
A solar panel system isn't free in Palmer Heights, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Palmer Heights have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.