Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, PA (2023 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $12,610
- 25-Year Savings: $15,791
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Athens.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Athens is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $12,602 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Athens find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,515 |
| 3 years | $-12,326 |
| 5 years | $-12,136 |
| 7 years | $-11,947 |
| 9 years | $-11,758 |
| 11 years | $-11,568 |
| 13 years | $-11,379 |
| 15 years | $-11,190 |
| 17 years | $-11,000 |
| 19 years | $-10,811 |
| 21 years | $-10,622 |
| 23 years | $-10,432 |
| 25 years | $-10,243 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Athens, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
The cost of installing a solar system in Athens can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Athens, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Athens provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Athens homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Athens, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Athens know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,983 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,597 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,353 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,252 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,293 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,478 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,805 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,275 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Athens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Athens, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Athens have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Athens?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.