Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scranton, PA (2024 Update)
- Scranton Solar Installation Cost: $17,221
- 25-Year Savings: $12,513
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scranton
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Scranton.
In Scranton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Scranton homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,221 with the federal tax credit, or $24,626 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Scranton can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Scranton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scranton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,866 |
| 3 years | $-13,157 |
| 5 years | $-10,449 |
| 7 years | $-7,740 |
| 9 years | $-5,031 |
| 11 years | $-2,322 |
| 13 years | $386 |
| 15 years | $3,095 |
| 17 years | $5,804 |
| 19 years | $8,513 |
| 21 years | $11,222 |
| 23 years | $13,930 |
| 25 years | $16,639 |
Top Solar Installers in Scranton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure 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.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Scranton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scranton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Scranton is $17,221, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scranton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Scranton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Scranton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $6,037 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,447 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,056 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,864 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,870 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,076 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,480 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,083 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer 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.
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 Scranton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scranton?
The average cost of solar panels in Scranton 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Scranton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Scranton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Scranton?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.