Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scranton, PA (2023 Update)
- Scranton Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $12,513
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scranton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Scranton.
The average cost of a solar system in Scranton is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Scranton is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,370 for a solar installation, or $17,689 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Scranton based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Scranton homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility 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 Scranton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,287 |
| 3 years | $-12,121 |
| 5 years | $-11,955 |
| 7 years | $-11,789 |
| 9 years | $-11,623 |
| 11 years | $-11,457 |
| 13 years | $-11,291 |
| 15 years | $-11,126 |
| 17 years | $-10,960 |
| 19 years | $-10,794 |
| 21 years | $-10,628 |
| 23 years | $-10,462 |
| 25 years | $-10,296 |
Top Solar Installers in Scranton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another upside of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Scranton:
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 Scranton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scranton
While the average cost of a solar system in Scranton is $12,370, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Scranton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Scranton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,405 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,159 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,056 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,096 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,278 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,604 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,072 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,683 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts 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 Scranton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scranton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Scranton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Scranton. However, you may still be able to afford 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 will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Scranton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.