Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wharton, PA (Feb 2023)
- Wharton Solar Installation Cost: $12,531
- 25-Year Savings: $11,336
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wharton
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Wharton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wharton, the average cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Wharton, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,531, or $9,273 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wharton find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wharton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,576 |
| 3 years | $-9,667 |
| 5 years | $-7,757 |
| 7 years | $-5,848 |
| 9 years | $-3,939 |
| 11 years | $-2,029 |
| 13 years | $-120 |
| 15 years | $1,790 |
| 17 years | $3,699 |
| 19 years | $5,608 |
| 21 years | $7,518 |
| 23 years | $9,427 |
| 25 years | $11,336 |
Top Solar Installers in Wharton
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar company in Wharton, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Wharton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wharton
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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 difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Wharton, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Wharton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Wharton know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $9,247 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $12,614 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $16,125 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $19,778 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $23,575 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $27,514 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $31,595 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $35,820 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Wharton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wharton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Wharton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.