Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandy, PA (Feb 2023)
- Sandy Solar Installation Cost: $12,602
- 25-Year Savings: $16,836
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandy
We break down average solar pricing in Sandy.
In Sandy, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average Sandy homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,602, or $9,325 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Sandy based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Sandy homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,425 |
| 3 years | $-9,070 |
| 5 years | $-6,714 |
| 7 years | $-4,359 |
| 9 years | $-2,004 |
| 11 years | $351 |
| 13 years | $2,706 |
| 15 years | $5,061 |
| 17 years | $7,416 |
| 19 years | $9,771 |
| 21 years | $12,126 |
| 23 years | $14,481 |
| 25 years | $16,836 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandy
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sandy, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sandy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandy
While the average cost of a solar system in Sandy is $12,602, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sandy to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $13,881 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,794 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,850 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $29,048 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $34,389 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $39,873 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $45,500 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $51,269 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Sandy, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even 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 the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Sandy, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sandy?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sandy?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sandy. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sandy?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 higher amount 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.