Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, PA (2024 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
- 25-Year Savings: $13,369
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainfield
We break down average solar pricing in Plainfield.
In Plainfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,665 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Plainfield based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,422 |
| 3 years | $-12,936 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-7,964 |
| 9 years | $-5,478 |
| 11 years | $-2,992 |
| 13 years | $-506 |
| 15 years | $1,980 |
| 17 years | $4,466 |
| 19 years | $6,952 |
| 21 years | $9,438 |
| 23 years | $11,923 |
| 25 years | $14,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainfield
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Plainfield:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Plainfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Plainfield.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Plainfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Plainfield offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Plainfield, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $7,165 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,951 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,935 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,119 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,501 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,082 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,862 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,841 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Plainfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Plainfield 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Plainfield?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Plainfield, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 Plainfield?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.