Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schnecksville, PA (Mar 2023)

  • Schnecksville Solar Installation Cost: $11,924
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,387
  • Payback Period: 12.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schnecksville

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Schnecksville.

In Schnecksville, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,924 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Schnecksville can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

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 Schnecksville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,951
3 years $-9,007
5 years $-7,062
7 years $-5,117
9 years $-3,172
11 years $-1,227
13 years $718
15 years $2,663
17 years $4,608
19 years $6,552
21 years $8,497
23 years $10,442
25 years $12,387

Top Solar Installers in Schnecksville

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Schnecksville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Schnecksville

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Schnecksville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Schnecksville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Schnecksville, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $10,709 12.7 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $14,564 12.5 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $18,562 12.3 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $22,702 12.0 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $26,986 11.8 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $31,412 11.5 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $35,981 11.3 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $40,693 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Schnecksville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Schnecksville, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Schnecksville?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Schnecksville?

You can't get solar panels for free in Schnecksville. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Schnecksville have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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