Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn Forest, PA (Mar 2023)
- Penn Forest Solar Installation Cost: $12,174
- 25-Year Savings: $12,459
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn Forest
See how much it might cost to go solar in Penn Forest.
The average cost of solar panels in Penn Forest is 2.55 per watt. The average Penn Forest homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,174 with the federal tax credit, or $17,409 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Penn Forest can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Penn Forest, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Penn Forest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,188 |
| 3 years | $-9,218 |
| 5 years | $-7,247 |
| 7 years | $-5,277 |
| 9 years | $-3,306 |
| 11 years | $-1,335 |
| 13 years | $635 |
| 15 years | $2,606 |
| 17 years | $4,576 |
| 19 years | $6,547 |
| 21 years | $8,518 |
| 23 years | $10,488 |
| 25 years | $12,459 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn Forest
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Forest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn Forest
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Penn Forest: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Penn Forest have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Penn Forest's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $10,539 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,338 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,280 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,364 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,591 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,961 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,474 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,129 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Penn Forest, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 Forest, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Penn Forest?
The average cost of solar panels in Penn Forest is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Penn Forest?
A solar panel system isn't free in Penn Forest, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Penn Forest?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.