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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steelton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Steelton.
In Steelton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Steelton homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,690 with the federal tax credit, or $23,867 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Steelton based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Steelton for a quote for your home.
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 be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Steelton is $16,690, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Steelton, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Steelton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 large number of companies to choose from in Steelton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds 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 sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Steelton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive 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 feasible, 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 lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get 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.