Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithfield, PA (2024 Update)
- Smithfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,676
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithfield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Smithfield.
The average cost of a solar system in Smithfield is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Smithfield, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,902, or $24,170 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Smithfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Smithfield find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Smithfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Smithfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,659 |
| 3 years | $-13,173 |
| 5 years | $-10,687 |
| 7 years | $-8,201 |
| 9 years | $-5,715 |
| 11 years | $-3,229 |
| 13 years | $-743 |
| 15 years | $1,743 |
| 17 years | $4,229 |
| 19 years | $6,715 |
| 21 years | $9,201 |
| 23 years | $11,687 |
| 25 years | $14,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Smithfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithfield
For many Smithfield homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Smithfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Smithfield.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Smithfield, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,386 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,912 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,637 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,561 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,683 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,005 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,525 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,244 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
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 Smithfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smithfield?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, 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 Smithfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install 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.