Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shenandoah, PA (2024 Update)

  • Shenandoah Solar Installation Cost: $16,864
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,197
  • Payback Period: 17.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shenandoah

We go over average solar pricing in Shenandoah.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shenandoah it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Shenandoah is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,864 for a solar installation, or $24,116 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Shenandoah depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Shenandoah

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,519
3 years $-12,828
5 years $-10,136
7 years $-7,445
9 years $-4,754
11 years $-2,063
13 years $628
15 years $3,320
17 years $6,011
19 years $8,702
21 years $11,393
23 years $14,084
25 years $16,775

Top Solar Installers in Shenandoah

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Shenandoah, optimizing your ROI.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Shenandoah:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Shenandoah

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shenandoah

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Shenandoah: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Shenandoah.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Shenandoah provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Shenandoah’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $5,987 18.0 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $8,380 17.7 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $10,972 17.3 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $13,763 17.0 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $16,753 16.6 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $19,941 16.3 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $23,328 16.0 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $26,914 15.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Shenandoah, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shenandoah?

The average cost of solar panels in Shenandoah is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Shenandoah?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Shenandoah. 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Shenandoah?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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