Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Park, PA (Mar 2023)
- South Park Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $11,493
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Park
We break down average solar pricing in South Park.
In South Park, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average South Park homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,441 with the federal tax credit, or $17,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in South Park see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in South Park that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,484 |
| 3 years | $-9,569 |
| 5 years | $-7,655 |
| 7 years | $-5,740 |
| 9 years | $-3,825 |
| 11 years | $-1,910 |
| 13 years | $4 |
| 15 years | $1,919 |
| 17 years | $3,834 |
| 19 years | $5,748 |
| 21 years | $7,663 |
| 23 years | $9,578 |
| 25 years | $11,493 |
Top Solar Installers in South Park
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high 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 you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Park homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in South Park is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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 to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's South Park, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Park?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in South Park is currently $160,648, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,587 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Park is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in South Park?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.