Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polk, PA (2023 Update)
- Polk Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,540
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polk
We break down average solar pricing in Polk.
The average cost of solar panels in Polk is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,138 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Polk homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Polk can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Polk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,151 |
| 3 years | $-9,177 |
| 5 years | $-7,202 |
| 7 years | $-5,228 |
| 9 years | $-3,254 |
| 11 years | $-1,280 |
| 13 years | $695 |
| 15 years | $2,669 |
| 17 years | $4,643 |
| 19 years | $6,617 |
| 21 years | $8,592 |
| 23 years | $10,566 |
| 25 years | $12,540 |
Top Solar Installers in Polk
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Polk, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Polk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Polk
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Polk: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Polk homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 decide on the company that provides 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 | $10,631 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,461 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,433 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,548 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,805 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,206 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,749 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,436 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Polk, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Polk, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Polk?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Polk?
You can't get solar panels for free in Polk. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.