Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shanor-Northvue, PA (2023 Update)
- Shanor-Northvue Solar Installation Cost: $12,470
- 25-Year Savings: $12,463
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shanor-Northvue
We break down average solar pricing in Shanor-Northvue.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shanor-Northvue it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Shanor-Northvue, the average price of going solar will be about $12,477 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Shanor-Northvue based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Shanor-Northvue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,387 |
| 3 years | $-12,221 |
| 5 years | $-12,055 |
| 7 years | $-11,889 |
| 9 years | $-11,722 |
| 11 years | $-11,556 |
| 13 years | $-11,390 |
| 15 years | $-11,224 |
| 17 years | $-11,057 |
| 19 years | $-10,891 |
| 21 years | $-10,725 |
| 23 years | $-10,559 |
| 25 years | $-10,393 |
Top Solar Installers in Shanor-Northvue
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Shanor-Northvue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shanor-Northvue
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Shanor-Northvue. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shanor-Northvue, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, 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. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Shanor-Northvue's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 | $10,275 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,986 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,840 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,836 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,975 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,257 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,682 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,249 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Shanor-Northvue, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shanor-Northvue?
The average cost of solar panels in Shanor-Northvue is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Shanor-Northvue?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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.