Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Thomas, PA (Mar 2023)
- St Thomas Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $13,921
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Thomas
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St Thomas.
The average cost of solar panels in St Thomas is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in St Thomas, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,888, or $17,000 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in St Thomas depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in St Thomas can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in St Thomas for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in St Thomas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,856 |
| 3 years | $-8,791 |
| 5 years | $-6,726 |
| 7 years | $-4,661 |
| 9 years | $-2,597 |
| 11 years | $-532 |
| 13 years | $1,533 |
| 15 years | $3,598 |
| 17 years | $5,662 |
| 19 years | $7,727 |
| 21 years | $9,792 |
| 23 years | $11,857 |
| 25 years | $13,921 |
Top Solar Installers in St Thomas
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 St Thomas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Thomas
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St Thomas is $11,888, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like St Thomas, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in St Thomas provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for St Thomas 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in St Thomas, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in St Thomas have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,105 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,425 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,889 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,495 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,244 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,135 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,170 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,347 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer 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 EcoWatch.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 St Thomas, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St Thomas?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St Thomas?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does St Thomas have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.