Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schuylkill Haven, PA (2024 Update)
- Schuylkill Haven Solar Installation Cost: $16,864
- 25-Year Savings: $12,840
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schuylkill Haven
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Schuylkill Haven.
In Schuylkill Haven, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Schuylkill Haven is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,864 for a solar installation, or $24,116 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Schuylkill Haven homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Schuylkill Haven, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Schuylkill Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,621 |
| 3 years | $-13,135 |
| 5 years | $-10,649 |
| 7 years | $-8,163 |
| 9 years | $-5,678 |
| 11 years | $-3,192 |
| 13 years | $-706 |
| 15 years | $1,780 |
| 17 years | $4,266 |
| 19 years | $6,752 |
| 21 years | $9,238 |
| 23 years | $11,724 |
| 25 years | $14,210 |
Top Solar Installers in Schuylkill Haven
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Schuylkill Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Schuylkill Haven
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 $3,550. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Schuylkill Haven average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Schuylkill Haven to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Schuylkill Haven, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Schuylkill Haven know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,556 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,138 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,920 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,900 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,080 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,458 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,035 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,810 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Schuylkill Haven, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Schuylkill Haven?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Schuylkill Haven. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $735.40 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.