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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sugarloaf typically cost around 4.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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Sugarloaf can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer 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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, 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.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Sugarloaf
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugarloaf
The cost of installing a solar system in Sugarloaf can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive 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 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sugarloaf to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
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 Sugarloaf is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Sugarloaf are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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 numerous companies to choose from in Sugarloaf, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding 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.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Sugarloaf, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugarloaf?
The average cost of solar panels in Sugarloaf is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Sugarloaf?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sugarloaf. However, you may still be able to install 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 installing solar panels impact my property value?
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 look forward to a value of about $12,291 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sugarloaf is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Sugarloaf?
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 larger 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.