Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lebanon, PA (2024 Update)
- Lebanon Solar Installation Cost: $16,524
- 25-Year Savings: $13,299
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lebanon
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Lebanon.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lebanon is 4 per watt.The average Lebanon homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,524 with the federal tax credit, or $23,629 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lebanon homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lebanon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,281 |
| 3 years | $-12,795 |
| 5 years | $-10,309 |
| 7 years | $-7,823 |
| 9 years | $-5,337 |
| 11 years | $-2,851 |
| 13 years | $-365 |
| 15 years | $2,121 |
| 17 years | $4,607 |
| 19 years | $7,093 |
| 21 years | $9,579 |
| 23 years | $12,065 |
| 25 years | $14,551 |
Top Solar Installers in Lebanon
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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
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 Lebanon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lebanon
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Lebanon is $16,524, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,550.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lebanon homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Lebanon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,204 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,002 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,000 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,196 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,592 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,186 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,978 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,970 | 14.8 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Lebanon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lebanon?
The average cost of solar panels in Lebanon is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Is it worth going solar in Lebanon?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.