Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandy, PA (2023 Update)
- Sandy Solar Installation Cost: $12,601
- 25-Year Savings: $16,837
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandy
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sandy.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sandy, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Sandy homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,602 with the federal tax credit, or $18,021 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Sandy homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,503 |
| 3 years | $-12,307 |
| 5 years | $-12,111 |
| 7 years | $-11,914 |
| 9 years | $-11,718 |
| 11 years | $-11,522 |
| 13 years | $-11,326 |
| 15 years | $-11,129 |
| 17 years | $-10,933 |
| 19 years | $-10,737 |
| 21 years | $-10,541 |
| 23 years | $-10,344 |
| 25 years | $-10,148 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandy
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sandy, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Sandy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandy
There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Sandy. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Sandy, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. 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
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:
- 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
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.