Solar Panel Cost Guide in Red Lion, PA (2023 Update)
- Red Lion Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
- 25-Year Savings: $14,230
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Red Lion
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Red Lion.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Red Lion generally cost around 2.55. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Red Lion, the average price of going solar will be about $11,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Red Lion homeowners. The price 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. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Red Lion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,741 |
| 3 years | $-8,660 |
| 5 years | $-6,579 |
| 7 years | $-4,498 |
| 9 years | $-2,417 |
| 11 years | $-336 |
| 13 years | $1,745 |
| 15 years | $3,825 |
| 17 years | $5,906 |
| 19 years | $7,987 |
| 21 years | $10,068 |
| 23 years | $12,149 |
| 25 years | $14,230 |
Top Solar Installers in Red Lion
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Red Lion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Red Lion
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Red Lion, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Red Lion homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Red Lion, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $12,511 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,968 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,566 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,308 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,193 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,220 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,390 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,703 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
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 Red Lion, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Red Lion?
The average cost of solar panels in Red Lion 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $788.33 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.