Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tobyhanna, PA (2023 Update)
- Tobyhanna Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,173
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tobyhanna
We go over average solar pricing in Tobyhanna.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tobyhanna generally cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Tobyhanna is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,138 for a solar installation, or $17,357 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Tobyhanna, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tobyhanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,166 |
| 3 years | $-9,221 |
| 5 years | $-7,276 |
| 7 years | $-5,331 |
| 9 years | $-3,386 |
| 11 years | $-1,441 |
| 13 years | $504 |
| 15 years | $2,448 |
| 17 years | $4,393 |
| 19 years | $6,338 |
| 21 years | $8,283 |
| 23 years | $10,228 |
| 25 years | $12,173 |
Top Solar Installers in Tobyhanna
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various 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 Tobyhanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tobyhanna
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tobyhanna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Tobyhanna homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Tobyhanna, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Tobyhanna have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,307 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,028 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,892 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,899 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,049 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,341 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,777 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,355 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Tobyhanna, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tobyhanna?
The average cost of solar panels in Tobyhanna is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Tobyhanna?
Solar panels aren't free in Tobyhanna, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Tobyhanna is currently $159,568, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,542 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tobyhanna is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Tobyhanna?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.