Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugarloaf, PA (2023 Update)
- Sugarloaf Solar Installation Cost: $12,401
- 25-Year Savings: $11,909
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugarloaf
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sugarloaf.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sugarloaf, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sugarloaf, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,406, or $17,741 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sugarloaf find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sugarloaf
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,320 |
| 3 years | $-12,158 |
| 5 years | $-11,996 |
| 7 years | $-11,834 |
| 9 years | $-11,672 |
| 11 years | $-11,510 |
| 13 years | $-11,348 |
| 15 years | $-11,186 |
| 17 years | $-11,024 |
| 19 years | $-10,862 |
| 21 years | $-10,699 |
| 23 years | $-10,537 |
| 25 years | $-10,375 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugarloaf
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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
See all of the solar companies in Sugarloaf
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugarloaf
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sugarloaf is $12,406, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sugarloaf average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sugarloaf have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sugarloaf is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,857 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,428 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,142 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $20,999 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $24,998 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,141 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,426 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $37,854 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Sugarloaf, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugarloaf?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sugarloaf?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sugarloaf. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.