Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tobyhanna, PA (2024 Update)
- Tobyhanna Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,170
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tobyhanna
We break down average solar pricing in Tobyhanna.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tobyhanna typically cost about 4.The average Tobyhanna homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,902 with the federal tax credit, or $24,170 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tobyhanna homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Tobyhanna can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tobyhanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,556 |
| 3 years | $-12,865 |
| 5 years | $-10,174 |
| 7 years | $-7,483 |
| 9 years | $-4,792 |
| 11 years | $-2,101 |
| 13 years | $591 |
| 15 years | $3,282 |
| 17 years | $5,973 |
| 19 years | $8,664 |
| 21 years | $11,355 |
| 23 years | $14,047 |
| 25 years | $16,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Tobyhanna
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Tobyhanna, we've 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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Tobyhanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tobyhanna
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 around $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tobyhanna, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Tobyhanna’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to 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 lower 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 | $5,939 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,316 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,892 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,667 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,641 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,813 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,185 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,755 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect 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 some important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Tobyhanna, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tobyhanna?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tobyhanna?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.