Solar Panel Cost Guide in Susquehanna, PA (Mar 2023)
- Susquehanna Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $12,316
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Susquehanna
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Susquehanna.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Susquehanna generally cost about 2.55. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Susquehanna, the average price of going solar will be about $11,995 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Susquehanna homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Susquehanna, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Susquehanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,023 |
| 3 years | $-9,078 |
| 5 years | $-7,133 |
| 7 years | $-5,188 |
| 9 years | $-3,243 |
| 11 years | $-1,298 |
| 13 years | $646 |
| 15 years | $2,591 |
| 17 years | $4,536 |
| 19 years | $6,481 |
| 21 years | $8,426 |
| 23 years | $10,371 |
| 25 years | $12,316 |
Top Solar Installers in Susquehanna
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Susquehanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Susquehanna
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Susquehanna average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Susquehanna offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Susquehanna, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Susquehanna, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Susquehanna?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Susquehanna?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.