Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn, PA (2024 Update)
- Penn Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $13,061
- Payback Period: 19.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Penn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Penn it’s 4 per watt.The average Penn homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,475 with the federal tax credit, or $24,989 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Penn see about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Penn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Penn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,253 |
| 3 years | $-13,811 |
| 5 years | $-11,368 |
| 7 years | $-8,925 |
| 9 years | $-6,482 |
| 11 years | $-4,039 |
| 13 years | $-1,596 |
| 15 years | $846 |
| 17 years | $3,289 |
| 19 years | $5,732 |
| 21 years | $8,175 |
| 23 years | $10,618 |
| 25 years | $13,061 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Penn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn
Although the average cost of a solar system in Penn is $17,475, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Penn.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Penn, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Penn homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Penn, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $3,928 | 19.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $5,635 | 19.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $7,541 | 19.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $9,646 | 18.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $11,949 | 18.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $14,451 | 18.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $17,152 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $20,052 | 17.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Penn, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Penn?
The average cost of solar panels in Penn 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Penn?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Penn?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.