Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn Estates, PA (Mar 2023)
- Penn Estates Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,816
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn Estates
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Penn Estates.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Penn Estates it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption 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 price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Penn Estates depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Penn Estates for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Penn Estates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,140 |
| 3 years | $-9,144 |
| 5 years | $-7,147 |
| 7 years | $-5,151 |
| 9 years | $-3,155 |
| 11 years | $-1,158 |
| 13 years | $838 |
| 15 years | $2,834 |
| 17 years | $4,831 |
| 19 years | $6,827 |
| 21 years | $8,823 |
| 23 years | $10,820 |
| 25 years | $12,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn Estates
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 several 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Penn Estates. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Penn Estates average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Penn Estates offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Penn Estates, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $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 available in Penn Estates, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking 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 fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Penn Estates, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Penn Estates?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Penn Estates?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.