Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tilden, PA (2023 Update)
- Tilden Solar Installation Cost: $11,872
- 25-Year Savings: $13,296
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tilden
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tilden.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tilden typically cost about 2.55. The average Tilden homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,870 with the federal tax credit, or $16,974 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Tilden can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Tilden for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tilden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,629 |
| 3 years | $-8,143 |
| 5 years | $-5,657 |
| 7 years | $-3,171 |
| 9 years | $-685 |
| 11 years | $1,801 |
| 13 years | $4,287 |
| 15 years | $6,773 |
| 17 years | $9,259 |
| 19 years | $11,745 |
| 21 years | $14,230 |
| 23 years | $16,716 |
| 25 years | $19,202 |
Top Solar Installers in Tilden
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Tilden, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Tilden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tilden
There are several factors that can affect 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 a solar energy system in Tilden, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tilden average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Tilden's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $11,566 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,707 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,991 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,418 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,987 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,699 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,554 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,552 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Tilden, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tilden?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tilden?
You can't get solar panels for free in Tilden. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Tilden?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.