Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vernon, PA (2024 Update)
- Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $17,084
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vernon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vernon typically cost around 4.The average Vernon homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,636 with the federal tax credit, or $25,219 before the 0 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 consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Vernon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,159 |
| 3 years | $-13,204 |
| 5 years | $-10,249 |
| 7 years | $-7,294 |
| 9 years | $-4,339 |
| 11 years | $-1,384 |
| 13 years | $1,571 |
| 15 years | $4,526 |
| 17 years | $7,481 |
| 19 years | $10,436 |
| 21 years | $13,390 |
| 23 years | $16,345 |
| 25 years | $19,300 |
Top Solar Installers in Vernon
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon
For many Vernon homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vernon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Vernon.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Vernon homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vernon homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Vernon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Vernon know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,646 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,259 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,071 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,081 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,291 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $29,699 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $34,306 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,112 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Vernon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vernon?
The average cost of solar panels in Vernon 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Vernon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Vernon?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.