Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tamaqua, PA (2024 Update)
- Tamaqua Solar Installation Cost: $16,864
- 25-Year Savings: $12,197
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tamaqua
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Tamaqua.
In Tamaqua, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Tamaqua, the average price of going solar will be about $16,864 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Tamaqua depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Tamaqua can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tamaqua
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,519 |
3 years | $-12,828 |
5 years | $-10,136 |
7 years | $-7,445 |
9 years | $-4,754 |
11 years | $-2,063 |
13 years | $628 |
15 years | $3,320 |
17 years | $6,011 |
19 years | $8,702 |
21 years | $11,393 |
23 years | $14,084 |
25 years | $16,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Tamaqua
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Tamaqua, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Tamaqua
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tamaqua
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Tamaqua: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Tamaqua have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tamaqua is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Tamaqua are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $5,987 | 18.0 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,380 | 17.7 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,972 | 17.3 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,763 | 17.0 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,753 | 16.6 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,941 | 16.3 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,328 | 16.0 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,914 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Tamaqua, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tamaqua?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Tamaqua?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Tamaqua. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Tamaqua, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Tamaqua?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.