Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rapho, PA (2024 Update)

  • Rapho Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,009
  • Payback Period: 16.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rapho

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rapho.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rapho, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rapho, the average price of going solar will be about $16,331 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Rapho homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rapho

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,020
3 years$-12,397
5 years$-9,775
7 years$-7,152
9 years$-4,529
11 years$-1,906
13 years$717
15 years$3,339
17 years$5,962
19 years$8,585
21 years$11,208
23 years$13,830
25 years$16,453

Top Solar Installers in Rapho

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Rapho

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rapho

The cost of installing a solar system in Rapho can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rapho, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$7,08017.2 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$9,83716.8 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$12,79416.5 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$15,94916.2 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$19,30315.8 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$22,85515.5 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$26,60715.2 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$30,55714.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects 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:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Rapho, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rapho?

The average cost of solar panels in Rapho 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rapho?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Does Rapho have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Rapho?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much 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 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.