Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tunkhannock, PA (Feb 2023)
- Tunkhannock Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,173
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tunkhannock
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Tunkhannock.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tunkhannock, the typical cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Tunkhannock, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,138, or $8,982 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tunkhannock homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Tunkhannock homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Tunkhannock, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tunkhannock
| 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 Tunkhannock
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Tunkhannock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tunkhannock
While the average cost of a solar system in Tunkhannock is $12,138, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Tunkhannock. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. 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
Most solar installers in Tunkhannock offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tunkhannock is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Tunkhannock, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tunkhannock?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tunkhannock?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Tunkhannock?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.