Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Lebanon, PA (2023 Update)
- South Lebanon Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,084
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Lebanon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in South Lebanon.
The average cost of a solar system in South Lebanon is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in South Lebanon, the average price of going solar will be about $11,870 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Lebanon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,872 |
| 3 years | $-8,876 |
| 5 years | $-6,879 |
| 7 years | $-4,883 |
| 9 years | $-2,887 |
| 11 years | $-890 |
| 13 years | $1,106 |
| 15 years | $3,102 |
| 17 years | $5,098 |
| 19 years | $7,095 |
| 21 years | $9,091 |
| 23 years | $11,087 |
| 25 years | $13,084 |
Top Solar Installers in South Lebanon
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Lebanon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Lebanon
Although the average cost of a solar system in South Lebanon is $11,870, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in South Lebanon. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like South Lebanon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in South Lebanon, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in South Lebanon, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Lebanon know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,378 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,456 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,678 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,041 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,548 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,198 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,990 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,925 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in South Lebanon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
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 Lebanon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Lebanon?
The average cost of solar panels in South Lebanon 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Lebanon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get 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.
Is it worth going solar in South Lebanon?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.