Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsport, PA (Mar 2023)
- Williamsport Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $13,841
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsport
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Williamsport.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Williamsport typically cost around 2.55. The average Williamsport homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,566 with the federal tax credit, or $17,969 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Williamsport can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamsport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,510 |
| 3 years | $-9,398 |
| 5 years | $-7,285 |
| 7 years | $-5,172 |
| 9 years | $-3,060 |
| 11 years | $-947 |
| 13 years | $1,165 |
| 15 years | $3,278 |
| 17 years | $5,390 |
| 19 years | $7,503 |
| 21 years | $9,615 |
| 23 years | $11,728 |
| 25 years | $13,841 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamsport
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Williamsport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsport
The cost of installing a solar system in Williamsport can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Williamsport. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Williamsport, where sunlight isn't as 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Williamsport homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Williamsport, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Williamsport have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $11,362 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,435 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,650 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,009 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,510 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,154 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,941 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,871 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Williamsport, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- 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 cost.
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 Williamsport, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Williamsport?
The average cost of solar panels in Williamsport 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Williamsport?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 house 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.