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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Penn Forest, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,942, or $24,227 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Penn Forest homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Penn Forest, you can click the button below.

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

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 cost of solar panels in Penn Forest, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option 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.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Penn Forest’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers 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 $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

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Penn Forest?

Solar panels aren’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 how much your home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Penn Forest is currently $237,776, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,749 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Penn Forest is a fruitful investment.

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.

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