Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ralpho, PA (2023 Update)
- Ralpho Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $12,010
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ralpho
We break down average solar pricing in Ralpho.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ralpho it's 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ralpho, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,299, or $17,588 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ralpho homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Ralpho can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Ralpho for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ralpho
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,956 |
| 3 years | $-8,264 |
| 5 years | $-5,573 |
| 7 years | $-2,882 |
| 9 years | $-191 |
| 11 years | $2,500 |
| 13 years | $5,192 |
| 15 years | $7,883 |
| 17 years | $10,574 |
| 19 years | $13,265 |
| 21 years | $15,956 |
| 23 years | $18,647 |
| 25 years | $21,339 |
Top Solar Installers in Ralpho
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ralpho:
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 Ralpho
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ralpho
For many Ralpho homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ralpho, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Ralpho. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ralpho, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ralpho homeowners choose 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 decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ralpho, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,028 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,656 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,427 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,340 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,397 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,596 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,938 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $38,423 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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 Ralpho, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ralpho?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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 long do solar panels last in Ralpho?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.