Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shenandoah, PA (2023 Update)
- Shenandoah Solar Installation Cost: $12,114
- 25-Year Savings: $12,197
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shenandoah
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Shenandoah.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shenandoah typically cost around 2.55. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Shenandoah, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,120, or $17,332 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shenandoah find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Shenandoah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,768 |
| 3 years | $-8,077 |
| 5 years | $-5,386 |
| 7 years | $-2,695 |
| 9 years | $-3 |
| 11 years | $2,688 |
| 13 years | $5,379 |
| 15 years | $8,070 |
| 17 years | $10,761 |
| 19 years | $13,452 |
| 21 years | $16,144 |
| 23 years | $18,835 |
| 25 years | $21,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Shenandoah
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Shenandoah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shenandoah
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel 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 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Shenandoah. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Shenandoah average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Shenandoah, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Shenandoah, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. 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 fits 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,355 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,092 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,972 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,995 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,161 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,469 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,920 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,514 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 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 $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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Shenandoah is currently $40,700, which means you can look forward to a value of about $1,669 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shenandoah is a worthwhile investment.
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 household 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.