Solar Panel Cost Guide in Steelton, PA (2024 Update)

  • Steelton Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,965
  • Payback Period: 16.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steelton

See how much it might cost to go solar in Steelton.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Steelton, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,690 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Steelton based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Steelton homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Steelton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,447
3 years $-12,961
5 years $-10,475
7 years $-7,990
9 years $-5,504
11 years $-3,018
13 years $-532
15 years $1,954
17 years $4,440
19 years $6,926
21 years $9,412
23 years $11,898
25 years $14,384

Top Solar Installers in Steelton

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Steelton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Steelton

For many Steelton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Steelton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Steelton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Steelton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Steelton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.69 $15,506 $6,786 17.4 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,445 17.1 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,303 16.7 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $15,360 16.4 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $18,616 16.1 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $22,071 15.7 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $25,724 15.4 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $29,577 15.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Steelton, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Steelton?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Steelton?

Solar panels aren’t free in Steelton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Steelton?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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