Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, PA (2024 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $17,555
- 25-Year Savings: $15,791
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
We break down average solar pricing in Athens.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Athens, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Athens is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,555 for a solar installation, or $25,104 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Athens can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Athens that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,153 |
| 3 years | $-13,350 |
| 5 years | $-10,548 |
| 7 years | $-7,745 |
| 9 years | $-4,942 |
| 11 years | $-2,139 |
| 13 years | $664 |
| 15 years | $3,467 |
| 17 years | $6,270 |
| 19 years | $9,073 |
| 21 years | $11,876 |
| 23 years | $14,679 |
| 25 years | $17,481 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
Though the average cost of a solar system in Athens is $17,555, 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 residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Athens, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Athens, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Athens, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $8,615 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,885 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,353 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,020 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,885 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,950 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,213 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,675 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions 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.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Athens, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
The average cost of solar panels in Athens 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Athens?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.