Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trappe, PA (2024 Update)
- Trappe Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trappe
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Trappe.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Trappe, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Trappe homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,365 with the federal tax credit, or $23,402 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Trappe homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Trappe that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Trappe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,074 |
| 3 years | $-12,494 |
| 5 years | $-9,913 |
| 7 years | $-7,333 |
| 9 years | $-4,752 |
| 11 years | $-2,172 |
| 13 years | $409 |
| 15 years | $2,990 |
| 17 years | $5,570 |
| 19 years | $8,151 |
| 21 years | $10,731 |
| 23 years | $13,312 |
| 25 years | $15,892 |
Top Solar Installers in Trappe
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Trappe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trappe
The cost of installing a solar system in Trappe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Trappe.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Trappe, where sunlight is relatively 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Trappe provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Trappe’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Trappe know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,771 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,092 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,612 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,330 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,248 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,364 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,679 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,193 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Trappe, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Trappe?
The average cost of solar panels in Trappe 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Trappe?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Trappe, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 long do solar panels last in Trappe?
Even though 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.