Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn Forest, PA (2024 Update)
- Penn Forest Solar Installation Cost: $16,942
- 25-Year Savings: $12,463
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn Forest
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Penn Forest.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Penn Forest, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Penn Forest, the average price of going solar will be about $16,942 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Penn Forest homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Penn Forest can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Penn Forest for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Penn Forest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,631 |
| 3 years | $-13,008 |
| 5 years | $-10,385 |
| 7 years | $-7,762 |
| 9 years | $-5,140 |
| 11 years | $-2,517 |
| 13 years | $106 |
| 15 years | $2,729 |
| 17 years | $5,352 |
| 19 years | $7,974 |
| 21 years | $10,597 |
| 23 years | $13,220 |
| 25 years | $15,843 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn Forest
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Penn Forest:
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 Forest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn Forest
The cost of installing a solar system in Penn Forest can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Penn Forest, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Penn Forest, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,171 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,626 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,280 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,132 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,183 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,433 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,882 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,529 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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.
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 Forest, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Penn Forest?
The average cost of solar panels in Penn Forest 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels 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 affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 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.