Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilson, PA (2024 Update)
- Wilson Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
- 25-Year Savings: $12,983
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Wilson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wilson it’s 4 per watt.The average Wilson homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,665 with the federal tax credit, or $23,831 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Wilson homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wilson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,422 |
| 3 years | $-12,936 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-7,964 |
| 9 years | $-5,478 |
| 11 years | $-2,992 |
| 13 years | $-506 |
| 15 years | $1,980 |
| 17 years | $4,466 |
| 19 years | $6,952 |
| 21 years | $9,438 |
| 23 years | $11,923 |
| 25 years | $14,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilson
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Wilson:
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
See all of the solar companies in Wilson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilson
The cost of installing a solar system in Wilson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Wilson.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash 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 five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Wilson’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $6,820 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,490 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,360 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,428 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,695 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,161 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,826 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,690 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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
EcoWatch's Wilson, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilson?
The average cost of solar panels in Wilson is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Wilson?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.