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

  • Upper Frederick Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,004
  • Payback Period: 15.9 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 Frederick

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Upper Frederick.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upper Frederick, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Upper Frederick, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,365, or $23,402 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Upper Frederick homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Upper Frederick, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Upper Frederick

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,106
3 years $-12,588
5 years $-10,071
7 years $-7,553
9 years $-5,036
11 years $-2,518
13 years $-1
15 years $2,517
17 years $5,034
19 years $7,552
21 years $10,069
23 years $12,587
25 years $15,104

Top Solar Installers in Upper Frederick

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

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 Frederick

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Frederick

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Upper Frederick: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Upper Frederick, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $7,963 16.5 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $11,015 16.2 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $14,266 15.9 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $17,715 15.6 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $21,364 15.2 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $25,211 14.9 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $29,257 14.6 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $33,502 14.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

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 Frederick, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Upper Frederick is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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