Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Williamsport, PA (Mar 2023)
- South Williamsport Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $11,744
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Williamsport
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in South Williamsport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Williamsport it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,566 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Williamsport homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in South Williamsport, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Williamsport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,594 |
| 3 years | $-9,649 |
| 5 years | $-7,704 |
| 7 years | $-5,759 |
| 9 years | $-3,815 |
| 11 years | $-1,870 |
| 13 years | $75 |
| 15 years | $2,020 |
| 17 years | $3,965 |
| 19 years | $5,910 |
| 21 years | $7,855 |
| 23 years | $9,799 |
| 25 years | $11,744 |
Top Solar Installers in South Williamsport
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in South Williamsport, we've compiled 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 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 Williamsport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Williamsport
The cost of installing a solar system in South Williamsport can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household 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 greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The kind 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Williamsport average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in South Williamsport, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in South Williamsport is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $9,576 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,053 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $16,674 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $20,437 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $24,343 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $28,391 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $32,583 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $36,917 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company 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 closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project 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 Williamsport, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Williamsport?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Williamsport?
You can't get solar panels for free in South Williamsport. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout South Williamsport, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.