Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunbury, PA (2024 Update)
- Sunbury Solar Installation Cost: $17,125
- 25-Year Savings: $12,010
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunbury
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sunbury.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sunbury, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sunbury, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,125, or $24,489 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Sunbury based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Sunbury homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Sunbury for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sunbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,780 |
| 3 years | $-13,088 |
| 5 years | $-10,397 |
| 7 years | $-7,706 |
| 9 years | $-5,015 |
| 11 years | $-2,324 |
| 13 years | $368 |
| 15 years | $3,059 |
| 17 years | $5,750 |
| 19 years | $8,441 |
| 21 years | $11,132 |
| 23 years | $13,823 |
| 25 years | $16,515 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunbury
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Sunbury, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sunbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunbury
For many Sunbury homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sunbury, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Sunbury.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sunbury, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $5,660 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,944 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,427 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,108 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,989 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,068 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $22,346 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,823 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Sunbury, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sunbury?
The average cost of solar panels in Sunbury is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sunbury?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Sunbury?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.