Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Allen, PA (2023 Update)
- Upper Allen Solar Installation Cost: $11,892
- 25-Year Savings: $13,649
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Allen
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Upper Allen.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Upper Allen typically cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Upper Allen is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,888 for a solar installation, or $17,000 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Upper Allen can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Upper Allen, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,649 |
| 3 years | $-8,163 |
| 5 years | $-5,678 |
| 7 years | $-3,192 |
| 9 years | $-706 |
| 11 years | $1,780 |
| 13 years | $4,266 |
| 15 years | $6,752 |
| 17 years | $9,238 |
| 19 years | $11,724 |
| 21 years | $14,210 |
| 23 years | $16,696 |
| 25 years | $19,182 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Allen
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Upper Allen:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Upper Allen, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Upper Allen, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Upper Allen's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $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 solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Upper Allen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Allen?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Allen is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Upper Allen?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upper Allen?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.