Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellefonte, PA (2023 Update)
- Bellefonte Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $8,531
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellefonte
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bellefonte.
In Bellefonte, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Bellefonte homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,513 with the federal tax credit, or $17,894 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bellefonte based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bellefonte that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bellefonte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,671 |
| 3 years | $-9,988 |
| 5 years | $-8,304 |
| 7 years | $-6,621 |
| 9 years | $-4,937 |
| 11 years | $-3,254 |
| 13 years | $-1,570 |
| 15 years | $113 |
| 17 years | $1,797 |
| 19 years | $3,480 |
| 21 years | $5,164 |
| 23 years | $6,847 |
| 25 years | $8,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellefonte
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bellefonte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellefonte
While the average cost of a solar system in Bellefonte is $12,513, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you get 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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 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 Bellefonte homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bellefonte is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $6,877 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,455 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,176 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,040 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,046 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,195 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,487 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,922 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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.
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 Bellefonte, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellefonte?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bellefonte, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.