Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swatara, PA (2024 Update)
- Swatara Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,751
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swatara
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Swatara.
The average cost of a solar system in Swatara is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Swatara, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,690, or $23,867 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Swatara based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Swatara find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Swatara that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Swatara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,396 |
| 3 years | $-12,808 |
| 5 years | $-10,219 |
| 7 years | $-7,630 |
| 9 years | $-5,042 |
| 11 years | $-2,453 |
| 13 years | $135 |
| 15 years | $2,724 |
| 17 years | $5,313 |
| 19 years | $7,901 |
| 21 years | $10,490 |
| 23 years | $13,078 |
| 25 years | $15,667 |
Top Solar Installers in Swatara
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Swatara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swatara
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Swatara, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, 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 a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Swatara know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,594 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,190 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,984 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,977 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,169 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,560 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,150 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,938 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Swatara, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Swatara?
The average cost of solar panels in Swatara 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Swatara?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Swatara. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Swatara?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.