Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shanor-Northvue, PA (2024 Update)
- Shanor-Northvue Solar Installation Cost: $17,361
- 25-Year Savings: $12,463
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shanor-Northvue
We go over average solar pricing in Shanor-Northvue.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shanor-Northvue, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,361 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Shanor-Northvue homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Shanor-Northvue can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Shanor-Northvue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,058 |
| 3 years | $-13,452 |
| 5 years | $-10,846 |
| 7 years | $-8,241 |
| 9 years | $-5,635 |
| 11 years | $-3,029 |
| 13 years | $-423 |
| 15 years | $2,182 |
| 17 years | $4,788 |
| 19 years | $7,394 |
| 21 years | $10,000 |
| 23 years | $12,605 |
| 25 years | $15,211 |
Top Solar Installers in Shanor-Northvue
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Shanor-Northvue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shanor-Northvue
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Shanor-Northvue: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Shanor-Northvue, one of the most crucial 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Shanor-Northvue’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Shanor-Northvue have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 help you save 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $5,907 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,274 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,840 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,604 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,567 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,729 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,090 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,649 | 15.7 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Shanor-Northvue, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shanor-Northvue?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Shanor-Northvue?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Shanor-Northvue?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.