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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pocono typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Pocono, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,902, or $24,170 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pocono find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a 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 | $-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
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Pocono:
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 Pocono
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pocono
While the average cost of a solar system in Pocono is $16,902, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pocono offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Pocono have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Pocono, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pocono?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.