Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Allen, PA (2024 Update)

  • Upper Allen Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,518
  • Payback Period: 16.2 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 Upper Allen

We go over average solar pricing in Upper Allen.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Upper Allen it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Upper Allen is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,556 for a solar installation, or $23,675 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Upper Allen 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.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Upper Allen see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Upper Allen, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Upper Allen

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,313
3 years $-12,827
5 years $-10,341
7 years $-7,855
9 years $-5,369
11 years $-2,883
13 years $-397
15 years $2,089
17 years $4,575
19 years $7,060
21 years $9,546
23 years $12,032
25 years $14,518

Top Solar Installers in Upper Allen

Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of working 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 helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Upper Allen, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Upper Allen

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Allen

The cost of installing a solar system in Upper Allen can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Upper Allen to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Upper Allen’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $7,495 16.9 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $10,391 16.5 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $13,486 16.2 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $16,779 15.9 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $20,272 15.6 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $23,963 15.2 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $27,853 14.9 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $31,942 14.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

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 Upper Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Allen?

The average cost of solar panels in Upper Allen 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Upper Allen?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Upper Allen, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upper Allen?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels should I get 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 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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