Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hazleton, PA (2023 Update)
- West Hazleton Solar Installation Cost: $12,406
- 25-Year Savings: $11,905
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hazleton
We go over average solar pricing in West Hazleton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in West Hazleton is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,406 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Hazleton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Hazleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,433 |
| 3 years | $-9,488 |
| 5 years | $-7,544 |
| 7 years | $-5,599 |
| 9 years | $-3,654 |
| 11 years | $-1,709 |
| 13 years | $236 |
| 15 years | $2,181 |
| 17 years | $4,126 |
| 19 years | $6,070 |
| 21 years | $8,015 |
| 23 years | $9,960 |
| 25 years | $11,905 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hazleton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in West Hazleton:
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 West Hazleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hazleton
For many West Hazleton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Hazleton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in West Hazleton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 end up saving you 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $9,857 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,428 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,142 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $20,999 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $24,998 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,141 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,426 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $37,854 | 11.5 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 West Hazleton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Hazleton?
The average cost of solar panels in West Hazleton 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 things like the type 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 West Hazleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.