Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rapho, PA (Mar 2023)
- Rapho Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $13,012
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rapho
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rapho.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rapho, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,727 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rapho
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,738 |
| 3 years | $-8,759 |
| 5 years | $-6,780 |
| 7 years | $-4,800 |
| 9 years | $-2,821 |
| 11 years | $-842 |
| 13 years | $1,137 |
| 15 years | $3,116 |
| 17 years | $5,095 |
| 19 years | $7,075 |
| 21 years | $9,054 |
| 23 years | $11,033 |
| 25 years | $13,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Rapho
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Rapho
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rapho
For many Rapho homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rapho, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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
Most solar companies in Rapho provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rapho is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,448 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,549 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,794 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,181 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,711 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,383 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,199 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,157 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rapho is currently $194,655, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,981 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rapho is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.