Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sinking Spring, PA (2024 Update)
- Sinking Spring Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sinking Spring
We go over average solar pricing in Sinking Spring.
The average cost of solar panels in Sinking Spring is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,528 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Sinking Spring for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sinking Spring
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Sinking Spring
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Sinking Spring
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sinking Spring
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sinking Spring: 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 price of a solar energy system in Sinking Spring, one of the most important 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 power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sinking Spring average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sinking Spring to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Sinking Spring, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,005 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,737 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,669 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,799 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,128 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,656 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,382 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,308 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Sinking Spring, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Sinking Spring, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sinking Spring?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Sinking Spring?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.