Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centre, PA (2023 Update)
- Centre Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,298
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centre
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Centre.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Centre it's 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Centre, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,870, or $16,974 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Centre can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Centre that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,864 |
| 3 years | $-8,850 |
| 5 years | $-6,837 |
| 7 years | $-4,823 |
| 9 years | $-2,810 |
| 11 years | $-796 |
| 13 years | $1,217 |
| 15 years | $3,231 |
| 17 years | $5,244 |
| 19 years | $7,258 |
| 21 years | $9,271 |
| 23 years | $11,285 |
| 25 years | $13,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Centre
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centre
For many Centre homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Centre, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Centre homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,566 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,707 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,991 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,418 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,987 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,699 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,554 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,552 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Centre, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centre?
The average cost of solar panels in Centre is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Centre?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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.
How long do solar panels last in Centre?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.