Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn Estates, PA (2023 Update)
- Penn Estates Solar Installation Cost: $12,141
- 25-Year Savings: $12,813
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn Estates
We break down average solar pricing in Penn Estates.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Penn Estates, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Penn Estates, the average price of going solar will be about $12,138 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Penn Estates based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Penn Estates can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Penn Estates for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Penn Estates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,058 |
| 3 years | $-11,891 |
| 5 years | $-11,725 |
| 7 years | $-11,559 |
| 9 years | $-11,392 |
| 11 years | $-11,226 |
| 13 years | $-11,060 |
| 15 years | $-10,893 |
| 17 years | $-10,727 |
| 19 years | $-10,560 |
| 21 years | $-10,394 |
| 23 years | $-10,228 |
| 25 years | $-10,061 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn Estates
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Penn Estates, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Estates
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn Estates
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Penn Estates, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice 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. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,874 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,785 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,838 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,034 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,373 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,855 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,479 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,246 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Penn Estates, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Estates, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Penn Estates?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Penn Estates?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $733.76 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Penn Estates?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.