Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plum, PA (Mar 2023)
- Plum Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $12,938
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plum
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Plum.
In Plum, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Plum homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,441 with the federal tax credit, or $17,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Plum homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plum
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,426 |
| 3 years | $-9,396 |
| 5 years | $-7,366 |
| 7 years | $-5,335 |
| 9 years | $-3,305 |
| 11 years | $-1,275 |
| 13 years | $756 |
| 15 years | $2,786 |
| 17 years | $4,816 |
| 19 years | $6,847 |
| 21 years | $8,877 |
| 23 years | $10,907 |
| 25 years | $12,938 |
Top Solar Installers in Plum
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Plum:
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 Plum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plum
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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
Most solar companies in Plum have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Plum's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,709 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,564 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,562 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,702 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,986 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,412 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,981 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,693 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Plum, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plum?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Plum?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 house 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.