Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paradise, PA (2024 Update)
- Paradise Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $12,580
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paradise
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Paradise.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Paradise it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Paradise, the average price of going solar will be about $16,331 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Paradise based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Paradise see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paradise
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,986 |
| 3 years | $-12,295 |
| 5 years | $-9,604 |
| 7 years | $-6,912 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-1,530 |
| 13 years | $1,161 |
| 15 years | $3,852 |
| 17 years | $6,544 |
| 19 years | $9,235 |
| 21 years | $11,926 |
| 23 years | $14,617 |
| 25 years | $17,308 |
Top Solar Installers in Paradise
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Paradise
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paradise
The cost of installing a solar system in Paradise can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Paradise homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $6,688 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,315 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,141 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,166 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,389 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,811 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,432 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,252 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Paradise, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paradise?
The average cost of solar panels in Paradise is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Paradise?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Paradise. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Paradise is currently $371,243, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,221 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Paradise is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.