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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens

We break down average solar pricing in Athens.

In Athens, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Athens, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,555, or $25,104 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Athens see about $15,000 in savings on energy 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

Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Athens

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens

For many Athens homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Athens, 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Athens.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 decide on 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

There are many companies available in Athens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through 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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 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 consume.

Should I 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 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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