Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schuylkill Haven, PA (2023 Update)
- Schuylkill Haven Solar Installation Cost: $12,120
- 25-Year Savings: $12,834
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schuylkill Haven
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Schuylkill Haven.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Schuylkill Haven typically cost around 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,120 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Schuylkill Haven can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Schuylkill Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,122 |
| 3 years | $-9,126 |
| 5 years | $-7,129 |
| 7 years | $-5,133 |
| 9 years | $-3,137 |
| 11 years | $-1,140 |
| 13 years | $856 |
| 15 years | $2,852 |
| 17 years | $4,849 |
| 19 years | $6,845 |
| 21 years | $8,841 |
| 23 years | $10,838 |
| 25 years | $12,834 |
Top Solar Installers in Schuylkill Haven
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Schuylkill Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Schuylkill Haven
There are a number of factors that can influence 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Schuylkill Haven average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Schuylkill Haven homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Schuylkill Haven's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $10,924 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,850 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,920 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,132 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,488 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,986 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,627 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,410 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Schuylkill Haven, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Schuylkill Haven?
The average cost of solar panels in Schuylkill Haven is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Schuylkill Haven?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Schuylkill Haven is currently $132,400, so you can expect a value of about $5,428 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Schuylkill Haven is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Schuylkill Haven?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.