Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn Estates, PA (2024 Update)
- Penn Estates Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,813
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn Estates
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Penn Estates.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Penn Estates typically cost around 4.The average Penn Estates homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,902 with the federal tax credit, or $24,170 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Penn Estates depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Penn Estates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,659 |
| 3 years | $-13,173 |
| 5 years | $-10,687 |
| 7 years | $-8,201 |
| 9 years | $-5,715 |
| 11 years | $-3,229 |
| 13 years | $-743 |
| 15 years | $1,743 |
| 17 years | $4,229 |
| 19 years | $6,715 |
| 21 years | $9,201 |
| 23 years | $11,687 |
| 25 years | $14,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn Estates
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Estates
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn Estates
For many Penn Estates homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Penn Estates, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 Estates.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Penn Estates is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Penn Estates know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,506 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,073 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,838 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,802 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,965 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,327 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,887 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,646 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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 significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 previous customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Estates, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Penn Estates?
The average cost of solar panels in Penn Estates 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 such as the model 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?
The upfront 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Penn Estates is currently $258,699, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,607 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Penn Estates is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher 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.