Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, PA (Mar 2023)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $12,459
- 25-Year Savings: $17,255
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Center.
In Center, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Center is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,459 for a solar installation, or $17,816 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose 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 advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,271 |
| 3 years | $-8,894 |
| 5 years | $-6,516 |
| 7 years | $-4,139 |
| 9 years | $-1,762 |
| 11 years | $615 |
| 13 years | $2,992 |
| 15 years | $5,369 |
| 17 years | $7,746 |
| 19 years | $10,123 |
| 21 years | $12,500 |
| 23 years | $14,878 |
| 25 years | $17,255 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Center, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Center, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable 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 crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Center's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $14,386 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,467 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,691 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $30,058 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,567 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $41,220 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $47,015 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $52,953 | 9.4 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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Center, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Center is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Center have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.