Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tilden, PA (2024 Update)

  • Tilden Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,296
  • Payback Period: 16.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tilden

We go over average solar pricing in Tilden.

In Tilden, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Tilden, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,528, or $23,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Tilden based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Tilden that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Tilden

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,285
3 years $-12,799
5 years $-10,313
7 years $-7,827
9 years $-5,341
11 years $-2,855
13 years $-369
15 years $2,117
17 years $4,603
19 years $7,089
21 years $9,575
23 years $12,061
25 years $14,547

Top Solar Installers in Tilden

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Tilden

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tilden

There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tilden average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Tilden homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Tilden’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 $3.69 $15,506 $7,198 17.1 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,995 16.7 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,991 16.4 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $16,186 16.1 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $19,579 15.8 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $23,171 15.4 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $26,962 15.1 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $30,952 14.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Tilden, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tilden?

The average cost of solar panels in Tilden 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 like 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 Tilden?

Solar panels aren’t free in Tilden, 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 help lower the cost.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $756.82 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Tilden?

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 larger level 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.

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