Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Allen, PA (Mar 2023)
- Upper Allen Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $13,653
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Allen
We break down average solar pricing in Upper Allen.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Upper Allen generally cost about 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,888 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Upper Allen depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Upper Allen can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Upper Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,866 |
| 3 years | $-8,823 |
| 5 years | $-6,780 |
| 7 years | $-4,737 |
| 9 years | $-2,693 |
| 11 years | $-650 |
| 13 years | $1,393 |
| 15 years | $3,437 |
| 17 years | $5,480 |
| 19 years | $7,523 |
| 21 years | $9,567 |
| 23 years | $11,610 |
| 25 years | $13,653 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Allen
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Upper Allen, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 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 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 dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Upper Allen, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Upper Allen homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Upper Allen's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,863 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,103 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,486 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,011 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,680 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,491 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,445 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,542 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Upper Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Allen?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Upper Allen?
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 maximize your savings.
Does Upper Allen have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 long do solar panels last in Upper Allen?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.