Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamsport, PA (2023 Update)
- Williamsport Solar Installation Cost: $12,569
- 25-Year Savings: $13,837
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamsport
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Williamsport.
The average cost of a solar system in Williamsport is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,566 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Williamsport homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Williamsport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,198 |
| 3 years | $-8,454 |
| 5 years | $-5,710 |
| 7 years | $-2,966 |
| 9 years | $-222 |
| 11 years | $2,522 |
| 13 years | $5,266 |
| 15 years | $8,010 |
| 17 years | $10,754 |
| 19 years | $13,498 |
| 21 years | $16,242 |
| 23 years | $18,986 |
| 25 years | $21,730 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamsport
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Williamsport, we've compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Williamsport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamsport
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Williamsport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Williamsport, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Williamsport, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep 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 form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 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.