Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pocono, PA (2024 Update)
- Pocono Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,521
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pocono
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Pocono.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pocono, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Pocono homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,902 with the federal tax credit, or $24,170 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Pocono depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Pocono homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pocono
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,587 |
| 3 years | $-12,958 |
| 5 years | $-10,328 |
| 7 years | $-7,698 |
| 9 years | $-5,069 |
| 11 years | $-2,439 |
| 13 years | $190 |
| 15 years | $2,820 |
| 17 years | $5,450 |
| 19 years | $8,079 |
| 21 years | $10,709 |
| 23 years | $13,339 |
| 25 years | $15,968 |
Top Solar Installers in Pocono
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Pocono, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Pocono
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pocono
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Pocono is $16,902, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pocono to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Pocono homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Pocono’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $6,249 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,729 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,408 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,286 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,363 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,639 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,113 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,786 | 15.4 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 picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Pocono, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pocono?
The average cost of solar panels in Pocono is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to 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 why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pocono is currently $295,775, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,127 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pocono is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.