Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Whitehall, PA (2023 Update)
- South Whitehall Solar Installation Cost: $11,924
- 25-Year Savings: $12,754
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Whitehall
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in South Whitehall.
In South Whitehall, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in South Whitehall, the average price of going solar will be about $11,924 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Whitehall
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,937 |
| 3 years | $-8,962 |
| 5 years | $-6,988 |
| 7 years | $-5,014 |
| 9 years | $-3,040 |
| 11 years | $-1,065 |
| 13 years | $909 |
| 15 years | $2,883 |
| 17 years | $4,857 |
| 19 years | $6,832 |
| 21 years | $8,806 |
| 23 years | $10,780 |
| 25 years | $12,754 |
Top Solar Installers in South Whitehall
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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
See all of the solar companies in South Whitehall
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Whitehall
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 Whitehall to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. South Whitehall's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $11,039 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,004 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,112 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,363 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,757 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,293 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,972 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,795 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Whitehall, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Whitehall?
The average cost of solar panels in South Whitehall 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in South Whitehall?
You can't get solar panels for free in South Whitehall. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.