Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plum, PA (2024 Update)
- Plum Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $12,938
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plum
We break down average solar pricing in Plum.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plum it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Plum is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,320 for a solar installation, or $24,768 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Plum homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Plum can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plum
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-12,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,136 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,588 |
| 11 years | $686 |
| 13 years | $3,960 |
| 15 years | $7,233 |
| 17 years | $10,507 |
| 19 years | $13,781 |
| 21 years | $17,055 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Plum
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Plum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plum
For many Plum homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plum, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Plum average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Plum homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Plum, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $6,341 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,852 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,562 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,470 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,578 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,884 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,389 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,093 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Plum, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plum?
The average cost of solar panels in Plum 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Plum?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Plum, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Plum, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.