Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pocono, PA (Mar 2023)
- Pocono Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,524
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pocono
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Pocono.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pocono generally cost around 2.55. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Pocono, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,138, or $17,357 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pocono that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pocono
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,152 |
| 3 years | $-9,179 |
| 5 years | $-7,206 |
| 7 years | $-5,233 |
| 9 years | $-3,260 |
| 11 years | $-1,287 |
| 13 years | $686 |
| 15 years | $2,659 |
| 17 years | $4,632 |
| 19 years | $6,605 |
| 21 years | $8,578 |
| 23 years | $10,551 |
| 25 years | $12,524 |
Top Solar Installers in Pocono
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
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 Pocono
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pocono
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Pocono: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Pocono, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pocono average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pocono to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Pocono homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Pocono, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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're looking for 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,617 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,441 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,408 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,518 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,771 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,167 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,705 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,386 | 11.1 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Pocono, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pocono?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $725.16 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Pocono?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.