Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Park, PA (2023 Update)
- South Park Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $11,492
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Park
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in South Park.
The average cost of a solar system in South Park is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in South Park, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,441, or $17,791 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Park homeowner. 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. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in South Park see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,362 |
| 3 years | $-12,202 |
| 5 years | $-12,043 |
| 7 years | $-11,883 |
| 9 years | $-11,723 |
| 11 years | $-11,564 |
| 13 years | $-11,404 |
| 15 years | $-11,245 |
| 17 years | $-11,085 |
| 19 years | $-10,926 |
| 21 years | $-10,766 |
| 23 years | $-10,606 |
| 25 years | $-10,447 |
Top Solar Installers in South Park
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in South Park:
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 Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Park
The cost of installing a solar system in South Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in South Park, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in South Park, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Park homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in South Park, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $9,465 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $12,905 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $16,488 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $20,214 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $24,083 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $28,095 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $32,249 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $36,547 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Park, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Park?
This is a hard 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 Park?
You can't get solar panels for free in South Park. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Does South Park have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in South Park?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.