Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hanover, PA (2024 Update)
- South Hanover Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,837
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hanover
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in South Hanover.
The average cost of a solar panel system in South Hanover is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,690 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Hanover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,413 |
| 3 years | $-12,859 |
| 5 years | $-10,304 |
| 7 years | $-7,750 |
| 9 years | $-5,196 |
| 11 years | $-2,641 |
| 13 years | $-87 |
| 15 years | $2,467 |
| 17 years | $5,022 |
| 19 years | $7,576 |
| 21 years | $10,131 |
| 23 years | $12,685 |
| 25 years | $15,239 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hanover
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in South Hanover, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in South Hanover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hanover
While the average cost of a solar system in South Hanover is $16,690, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in South Hanover, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Hanover, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Hanover is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in South Hanover know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,671 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,292 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,112 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,131 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,348 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,765 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,380 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,194 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's South Hanover, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Hanover?
The average cost of solar panels in South Hanover 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Hanover?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Does South Hanover have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.