Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hanover, PA (2023 Update)
- South Hanover Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $12,830
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hanover
We go over average solar pricing in South Hanover.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Hanover, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in South Hanover, the average price of going solar will be about $11,995 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Hanover homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average South Hanover homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Hanover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-9,016 |
| 5 years | $-7,030 |
| 7 years | $-5,044 |
| 9 years | $-3,058 |
| 11 years | $-1,072 |
| 13 years | $914 |
| 15 years | $2,900 |
| 17 years | $4,886 |
| 19 years | $6,872 |
| 21 years | $8,858 |
| 23 years | $10,844 |
| 25 years | $12,830 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hanover
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 South Hanover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hanover
For many South Hanover homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Hanover, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Hanover homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in South Hanover, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,039 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,004 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,112 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,363 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,756 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,293 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,972 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,794 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 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 $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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does South Hanover have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.