Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richland, PA (Mar 2023)
- Richland Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
- 25-Year Savings: $14,167
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Richland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Richland it's 2.55 per watt. The average Richland homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,745 with the federal tax credit, or $16,795 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Richland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Richland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,709 |
| 3 years | $-8,636 |
| 5 years | $-6,563 |
| 7 years | $-4,490 |
| 9 years | $-2,417 |
| 11 years | $-344 |
| 13 years | $1,729 |
| 15 years | $3,802 |
| 17 years | $5,875 |
| 19 years | $7,948 |
| 21 years | $10,021 |
| 23 years | $12,094 |
| 25 years | $14,167 |
Top Solar Installers in Richland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Richland:
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 Richland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richland
The cost of installing a solar system in Richland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Richland. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Richland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Richland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Richland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,478 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,923 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,510 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,241 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,114 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,130 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,289 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,591 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Richland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Richland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richland?
The average cost of solar panels in Richland 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Richland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.