Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palmerton, PA (2023 Update)
- Palmerton Solar Installation Cost: $12,174
- 25-Year Savings: $12,780
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palmerton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Palmerton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Palmerton, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Palmerton is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,174 for a solar installation, or $17,409 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Palmerton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high initial cost, the average Palmerton homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palmerton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,176 |
| 3 years | $-9,179 |
| 5 years | $-7,183 |
| 7 years | $-5,187 |
| 9 years | $-3,190 |
| 11 years | $-1,194 |
| 13 years | $802 |
| 15 years | $2,799 |
| 17 years | $4,795 |
| 19 years | $6,791 |
| 21 years | $8,788 |
| 23 years | $10,784 |
| 25 years | $12,780 |
Top Solar Installers in Palmerton
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 in Palmerton:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Palmerton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palmerton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Palmerton is $12,174, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Palmerton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Palmerton, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,822 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,715 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,751 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,930 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,251 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,716 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,323 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,073 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind 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 options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Palmerton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palmerton?
The average cost of solar panels in Palmerton is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 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.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Palmerton have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Palmerton?
Though 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 replace them once you've had 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.