Solar Panel Cost Guide in Youngtown, AZ (2023 Update)
- Youngtown Solar Installation Cost: $9,344
- 25-Year Savings: $26,624
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Youngtown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Youngtown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Youngtown generally cost about 2.61. The average solar panel system size in Youngtown is around 5.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,336 for a solar installation, or $13,350 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Youngtown based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $27,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Youngtown find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Youngtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,224 |
| 3 years | $-8,985 |
| 5 years | $-8,745 |
| 7 years | $-8,505 |
| 9 years | $-8,265 |
| 11 years | $-8,025 |
| 13 years | $-7,786 |
| 15 years | $-7,546 |
| 17 years | $-7,306 |
| 19 years | $-7,066 |
| 21 years | $-6,826 |
| 23 years | $-6,587 |
| 25 years | $-6,347 |
Top Solar Installers in Youngtown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Youngtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Youngtown
For many Youngtown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Youngtown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 add-ons 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 Youngtown to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Youngtown is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.71 | $11,400 | $30,795 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.66 | $14,908 | $41,352 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.61 | $18,270 | $52,056 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.56 | $21,486 | $62,905 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.51 | $24,555 | $73,901 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.45 | $27,478 | $85,043 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.40 | $30,255 | $96,331 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.35 | $32,886 | $107,765 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
EcoWatch's Youngtown, AZ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Youngtown?
The average cost of solar panels in Youngtown is about $13,050 for a 5-kW system and $26,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Youngtown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,406.51 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.