Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shaler, PA (2023 Update)
- Shaler Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $15,679
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shaler
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Shaler.
In Shaler, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Shaler homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,441 with the federal tax credit, or $17,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Shaler see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Shaler for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Shaler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,317 |
| 3 years | $-9,067 |
| 5 years | $-6,817 |
| 7 years | $-4,568 |
| 9 years | $-2,318 |
| 11 years | $-68 |
| 13 years | $2,181 |
| 15 years | $4,431 |
| 17 years | $6,680 |
| 19 years | $8,930 |
| 21 years | $11,180 |
| 23 years | $13,429 |
| 25 years | $15,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Shaler
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar company in Shaler, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Shaler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shaler
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Shaler: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Shaler. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Shaler's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,069 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,710 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,495 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,422 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,493 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,706 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,061 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,560 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Shaler, 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:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Shaler, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shaler?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Shaler?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.