Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsport, PA (2024 Update)
- Williamsport Solar Installation Cost: $17,499
- 25-Year Savings: $13,837
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsport
We break down average solar pricing in Williamsport.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Williamsport, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,499 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Williamsport homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Williamsport homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Williamsport for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Williamsport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,127 |
| 3 years | $-13,383 |
| 5 years | $-10,639 |
| 7 years | $-7,895 |
| 9 years | $-5,151 |
| 11 years | $-2,407 |
| 13 years | $337 |
| 15 years | $3,081 |
| 17 years | $5,825 |
| 19 years | $8,569 |
| 21 years | $11,313 |
| 23 years | $14,057 |
| 25 years | $16,801 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamsport
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Williamsport.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Williamsport homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Williamsport is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Williamsport are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 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 | $6,994 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,723 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,650 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,777 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,102 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,626 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,349 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,271 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Williamsport, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williamsport?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Williamsport?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Williamsport. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my property 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% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.