Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn, PA (2023 Update)
- Penn Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $10,229
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Penn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Penn, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Penn homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,549 with the federal tax credit, or $17,945 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Penn see about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Penn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,637 |
| 3 years | $-9,815 |
| 5 years | $-7,993 |
| 7 years | $-6,171 |
| 9 years | $-4,349 |
| 11 years | $-2,526 |
| 13 years | $-704 |
| 15 years | $1,118 |
| 17 years | $2,940 |
| 19 years | $4,763 |
| 21 years | $6,585 |
| 23 years | $8,407 |
| 25 years | $10,229 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer 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.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Penn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn
The cost of installing a solar system in Penn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. Some solar 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. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease 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 Penn homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,296 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $11,347 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $14,541 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $17,878 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $21,357 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $24,979 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $28,744 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $32,652 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Penn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. 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 Penn, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Penn?
The average cost of solar panels in Penn is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Penn?
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.