Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scranton, PA (2023 Update)
- Scranton Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $12,512
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scranton
We go over average solar pricing in Scranton.
The average cost of a solar system in Scranton is 2.55 per watt. The average Scranton homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,370 with the federal tax credit, or $17,689 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Scranton homeowner. The cost 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. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Scranton homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Scranton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Scranton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,375 |
| 3 years | $-9,384 |
| 5 years | $-7,394 |
| 7 years | $-5,403 |
| 9 years | $-3,412 |
| 11 years | $-1,422 |
| 13 years | $569 |
| 15 years | $2,559 |
| 17 years | $4,550 |
| 19 years | $6,541 |
| 21 years | $8,531 |
| 23 years | $10,522 |
| 25 years | $12,512 |
Top Solar Installers in Scranton
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Scranton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scranton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Scranton is $12,370, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Scranton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scranton to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Scranton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Scranton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 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.