Solar Panel Cost Guide in Susquehanna, PA (2024 Update)
- Susquehanna Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,322
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Susquehanna
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Susquehanna.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Susquehanna, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Susquehanna, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,690, or $23,867 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Susquehanna homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Susquehanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,345 |
| 3 years | $-12,654 |
| 5 years | $-9,962 |
| 7 years | $-7,271 |
| 9 years | $-4,580 |
| 11 years | $-1,889 |
| 13 years | $802 |
| 15 years | $3,494 |
| 17 years | $6,185 |
| 19 years | $8,876 |
| 21 years | $11,567 |
| 23 years | $14,258 |
| 25 years | $16,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Susquehanna
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Susquehanna, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Susquehanna, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Susquehanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Susquehanna
For many Susquehanna homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Susquehanna, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Susquehanna average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Susquehanna is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater 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 companies.
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 | $6,211 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,679 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,346 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,211 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,275 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,539 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,001 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,661 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Susquehanna, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Susquehanna?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Susquehanna?
Solar panels aren’t free in Susquehanna, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $723.91 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.