Solar Panel Cost Guide in Selinsgrove, PA (2024 Update)
- Selinsgrove Solar Installation Cost: $17,074
- 25-Year Savings: $12,046
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Selinsgrove
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Selinsgrove.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Selinsgrove it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Selinsgrove, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,074, or $24,416 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Selinsgrove can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Selinsgrove, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Selinsgrove
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,728 |
3 years | $-13,037 |
5 years | $-10,346 |
7 years | $-7,655 |
9 years | $-4,964 |
11 years | $-2,273 |
13 years | $419 |
15 years | $3,110 |
17 years | $5,801 |
19 years | $8,492 |
21 years | $11,183 |
23 years | $13,875 |
25 years | $16,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Selinsgrove
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Selinsgrove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Selinsgrove
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Selinsgrove: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Selinsgrove, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Selinsgrove to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.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’re only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Selinsgrove, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $5,723 | 18.3 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,028 | 17.9 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,532 | 17.6 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,235 | 17.2 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,137 | 16.9 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,237 | 16.5 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $22,537 | 16.2 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,035 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Selinsgrove, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Selinsgrove?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Selinsgrove?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Selinsgrove, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 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.