Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clairton, PA (2023 Update)
- Clairton Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $12,938
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clairton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Clairton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clairton, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Clairton, the average price of going solar will be about $12,441 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clairton find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clairton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,357 |
| 3 years | $-12,188 |
| 5 years | $-12,018 |
| 7 years | $-11,849 |
| 9 years | $-11,680 |
| 11 years | $-11,511 |
| 13 years | $-11,342 |
| 15 years | $-11,172 |
| 17 years | $-11,003 |
| 19 years | $-10,834 |
| 21 years | $-10,665 |
| 23 years | $-10,496 |
| 25 years | $-10,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Clairton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Clairton, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clairton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clairton
There are a number of criteria that can affect your 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 installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Clairton. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Clairton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clairton, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Clairton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 lower 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 | $10,709 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,564 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,562 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,702 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,986 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,412 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,981 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,693 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Clairton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Clairton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clairton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clairton 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clairton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Clairton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Clairton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Clairton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.