Solar Panel Cost Guide in Old Forge, PA (2024 Update)
- Old Forge Solar Installation Cost: $17,221
- 25-Year Savings: $11,941
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Old Forge
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Old Forge.
In Old Forge, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,221 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Old Forge for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Old Forge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,875 |
| 3 years | $-13,184 |
| 5 years | $-10,493 |
| 7 years | $-7,801 |
| 9 years | $-5,110 |
| 11 years | $-2,419 |
| 13 years | $272 |
| 15 years | $2,963 |
| 17 years | $5,655 |
| 19 years | $8,346 |
| 21 years | $11,037 |
| 23 years | $13,728 |
| 25 years | $16,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Old Forge
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Old Forge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Old Forge
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Old Forge, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Old Forge homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make 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 figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Old Forge is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $5,542 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,787 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,231 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,874 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,715 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,756 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,995 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,433 | 15.9 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Old Forge, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Old Forge?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Old Forge?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Old Forge have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Old Forge?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.