Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butler, PA (2023 Update)
- Butler Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $11,999
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butler
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Butler.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Butler generally cost around 2.55. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Butler, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,477, or $17,842 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Butler homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Butler see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Butler for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Butler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,498 |
| 3 years | $-9,540 |
| 5 years | $-7,582 |
| 7 years | $-5,624 |
| 9 years | $-3,666 |
| 11 years | $-1,708 |
| 13 years | $250 |
| 15 years | $2,208 |
| 17 years | $4,167 |
| 19 years | $6,125 |
| 21 years | $8,083 |
| 23 years | $10,041 |
| 25 years | $11,999 |
Top Solar Installers in Butler
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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
See all of the solar companies in Butler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butler
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Butler. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Butler, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Butler to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Butler is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 want 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $9,882 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,462 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,185 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,050 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,058 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,209 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,503 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $37,939 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Butler, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Butler?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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.