Solar Panel Cost Guide in Susquehanna, PA (2023 Update)
- Susquehanna Solar Installation Cost: $11,989
- 25-Year Savings: $12,322
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Susquehanna
We break down average solar pricing in Susquehanna.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Susquehanna generally cost about 2.55. The average Susquehanna homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,995 with the federal tax credit, or $17,153 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Susquehanna find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Susquehanna for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Susquehanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,643 |
| 3 years | $-7,952 |
| 5 years | $-5,261 |
| 7 years | $-2,570 |
| 9 years | $121 |
| 11 years | $2,813 |
| 13 years | $5,504 |
| 15 years | $8,195 |
| 17 years | $10,886 |
| 19 years | $13,577 |
| 21 years | $16,269 |
| 23 years | $18,960 |
| 25 years | $21,651 |
Top Solar Installers in Susquehanna
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
See all of the solar companies in Susquehanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Susquehanna
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Susquehanna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Susquehanna, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 can only 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 significantly.
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 Susquehanna is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $10,579 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,391 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,346 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,443 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,683 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,067 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,593 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,261 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Susquehanna, 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:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Susquehanna, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Susquehanna?
The average cost of solar panels in Susquehanna is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Susquehanna is currently $152,189, so you can expect a value of about $6,240 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Susquehanna is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.