Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butler, PA (2024 Update)
- Butler Solar Installation Cost: $17,361
- 25-Year Savings: $12,006
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butler
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Butler.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Butler it’s 4 per watt.To cover 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 about $17,361, or $24,826 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Butler homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Butler find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Butler for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Butler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,113 |
| 3 years | $-13,617 |
| 5 years | $-11,121 |
| 7 years | $-8,625 |
| 9 years | $-6,130 |
| 11 years | $-3,634 |
| 13 years | $-1,138 |
| 15 years | $1,358 |
| 17 years | $3,853 |
| 19 years | $6,349 |
| 21 years | $8,845 |
| 23 years | $11,341 |
| 25 years | $13,836 |
Top Solar Installers in Butler
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Butler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butler
The cost of installing a solar system in Butler 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Butler.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration 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 keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Butler is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Butler are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $5,514 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,750 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,185 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,818 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,650 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,681 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,911 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,339 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Butler, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Butler?
The average cost of solar panels in Butler 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great 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.
How long do solar panels last in Butler?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.