Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Heidelberg, PA (2023 Update)
- South Heidelberg Solar Installation Cost: $11,872
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Heidelberg
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in South Heidelberg.
In South Heidelberg, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in South Heidelberg, the average price of going solar will be about $11,870 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Heidelberg homeowners. The cost 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. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in South Heidelberg can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in South Heidelberg for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Heidelberg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,629 |
| 3 years | $-8,143 |
| 5 years | $-5,657 |
| 7 years | $-3,171 |
| 9 years | $-685 |
| 11 years | $1,801 |
| 13 years | $4,287 |
| 15 years | $6,773 |
| 17 years | $9,259 |
| 19 years | $11,745 |
| 21 years | $14,230 |
| 23 years | $16,716 |
| 25 years | $19,202 |
Top Solar Installers in South Heidelberg
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in South Heidelberg:
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 Heidelberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Heidelberg
For many South Heidelberg homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Heidelberg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Heidelberg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Heidelberg to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. South Heidelberg's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 | $11,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,449 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,669 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,031 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,536 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,184 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,974 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,908 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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.
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 Heidelberg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Heidelberg?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Heidelberg?
You can't get solar panels for free in South Heidelberg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.