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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hanover

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in South Hanover.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Hanover, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in South Hanover, the average price of going solar will be about $16,690 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Hanover homeowners. 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.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 electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in South Hanover, you can 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

When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 South Hanover

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hanover

Although the average cost of a solar system in South Hanover is $16,690, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in South Hanover know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 consider, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's South Hanover, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install 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 consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Hanover?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Does South Hanover have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 usage 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 buy 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.

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