Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, PA (2024 Update)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
- 25-Year Savings: $17,246
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Center.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Center generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Center homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Center for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,720 |
| 3 years | $-12,446 |
| 5 years | $-9,172 |
| 7 years | $-5,899 |
| 9 years | $-2,625 |
| 11 years | $649 |
| 13 years | $3,923 |
| 15 years | $7,197 |
| 17 years | $10,471 |
| 19 years | $13,744 |
| 21 years | $17,018 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $23,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Center:
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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,018 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,755 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,691 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,826 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,159 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,692 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,423 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,353 | 13.1 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. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Center, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Center 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Center?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority 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 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 amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.