Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shippensburg, PA (2023 Update)
- Shippensburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $14,039
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shippensburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Shippensburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shippensburg it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Shippensburg, the average price of going solar will be about $11,888 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Shippensburg depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shippensburg find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shippensburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,851 |
| 3 years | $-8,777 |
| 5 years | $-6,703 |
| 7 years | $-4,629 |
| 9 years | $-2,554 |
| 11 years | $-480 |
| 13 years | $1,594 |
| 15 years | $3,668 |
| 17 years | $5,742 |
| 19 years | $7,816 |
| 21 years | $9,890 |
| 23 years | $11,965 |
| 25 years | $14,039 |
Top Solar Installers in Shippensburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Shippensburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shippensburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Shippensburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Shippensburg to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $12,210 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,566 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,064 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,706 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,490 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,417 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,486 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,699 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Shippensburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Shippensburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shippensburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Shippensburg is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Shippensburg?
A solar panel system isn't free in Shippensburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $778.29 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.