Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugarloaf, PA (2024 Update)
- Sugarloaf Solar Installation Cost: $17,265
- 25-Year Savings: $11,909
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugarloaf
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sugarloaf.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sugarloaf, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Sugarloaf homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,265 with the federal tax credit, or $24,689 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Sugarloaf depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Sugarloaf can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Sugarloaf that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sugarloaf
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,919 |
| 3 years | $-13,228 |
| 5 years | $-10,537 |
| 7 years | $-7,845 |
| 9 years | $-5,154 |
| 11 years | $-2,463 |
| 13 years | $228 |
| 15 years | $2,919 |
| 17 years | $5,611 |
| 19 years | $8,302 |
| 21 years | $10,993 |
| 23 years | $13,684 |
| 25 years | $16,375 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugarloaf
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Sugarloaf
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugarloaf
There are many 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 does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Sugarloaf, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sugarloaf, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sugarloaf, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sugarloaf, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,489 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,716 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,142 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,767 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,590 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,613 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,834 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,254 | 16.0 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Sugarloaf, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sugarloaf?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, 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 Sugarloaf?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sugarloaf. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sugarloaf is currently $299,781, which means you can expect a value of about $12,291 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sugarloaf is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Sugarloaf?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.