Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Middleton, PA (2023 Update)
- South Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $14,769
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Middleton
We go over 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 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in South Middleton, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,888, or $17,000 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in South Middleton can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in South Middleton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,822 |
| 3 years | $-8,689 |
| 5 years | $-6,557 |
| 7 years | $-4,424 |
| 9 years | $-2,292 |
| 11 years | $-159 |
| 13 years | $1,974 |
| 15 years | $4,106 |
| 17 years | $6,239 |
| 19 years | $8,371 |
| 21 years | $10,504 |
| 23 years | $12,636 |
| 25 years | $14,769 |
Top Solar Installers in South Middleton
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Middleton
The cost of installing a solar system in South Middleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Middleton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in South Middleton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,868 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,443 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,161 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,021 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,025 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,171 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,460 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,892 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Middleton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Middleton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Middleton?
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 can't take advantage of 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 Middleton?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough 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, solar panels can last 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.