Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thompsonville, PA (2023 Update)
- Thompsonville Solar Installation Cost: $12,321
- 25-Year Savings: $8,723
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thompsonville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Thompsonville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Thompsonville it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Thompsonville is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,316 for a solar installation, or $17,612 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Thompsonville find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Thompsonville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thompsonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,238 |
| 3 years | $-9,072 |
| 5 years | $-6,906 |
| 7 years | $-4,740 |
| 9 years | $-2,575 |
| 11 years | $-409 |
| 13 years | $1,757 |
| 15 years | $3,923 |
| 17 years | $6,089 |
| 19 years | $8,255 |
| 21 years | $10,420 |
| 23 years | $12,586 |
| 25 years | $14,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Thompsonville
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Thompsonville, 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
See all of the solar companies in Thompsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thompsonville
For many Thompsonville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Thompsonville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably 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 going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Thompsonville average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Thompsonville, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting 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 Thompsonville is the company you hire to install your PV 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. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $7,154 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,824 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,638 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,594 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,692 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,934 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $25,318 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $28,845 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect 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
EcoWatch's Thompsonville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thompsonville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Thompsonville?
Solar panels aren't free in Thompsonville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Thompsonville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.