Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Middleton, PA (2024 Update)
- South Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $14,765
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Middleton
We break down average solar pricing in South Middleton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Middleton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average South Middleton homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,556 with the federal tax credit, or $23,675 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in South Middleton based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average South Middleton homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,296 |
| 3 years | $-12,776 |
| 5 years | $-10,256 |
| 7 years | $-7,736 |
| 9 years | $-5,215 |
| 11 years | $-2,695 |
| 13 years | $-175 |
| 15 years | $2,345 |
| 17 years | $4,865 |
| 19 years | $7,385 |
| 21 years | $9,906 |
| 23 years | $12,426 |
| 25 years | $14,946 |
Top Solar Installers in South Middleton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing 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 on the hunt for a solar company in South Middleton, we've 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in South Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Middleton
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Middleton to be prohibitively steep, 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 for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $8,500 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,731 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,161 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,789 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,617 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,643 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,868 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,292 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts 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: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's South Middleton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Middleton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in South Middleton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in South Middleton. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Middleton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
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 level 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.