Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pennsburg, PA (2023 Update)
- Pennsburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $13,529
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pennsburg
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Pennsburg.
In Pennsburg, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Pennsburg homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,763 with the federal tax credit, or $16,821 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average Pennsburg homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pennsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,751 |
| 3 years | $-8,728 |
| 5 years | $-6,705 |
| 7 years | $-4,681 |
| 9 years | $-2,658 |
| 11 years | $-635 |
| 13 years | $1,389 |
| 15 years | $3,412 |
| 17 years | $5,436 |
| 19 years | $7,459 |
| 21 years | $9,482 |
| 23 years | $11,506 |
| 25 years | $13,529 |
Top Solar Installers in Pennsburg
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Pennsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pennsburg
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Pennsburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 around $2,550 per kilowatt in Pennsburg. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pennsburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Pennsburg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Pennsburg's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pennsburg have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,906 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,160 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,557 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,096 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,779 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,604 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,573 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,683 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component 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 large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer 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
EcoWatch's Pennsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pennsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Pennsburg is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Pennsburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Pennsburg. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Pennsburg?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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.