Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clairton, PA (2024 Update)
- Clairton Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $12,938
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clairton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Clairton.
In Clairton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,320 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Clairton depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Clairton homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clairton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-12,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,136 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,588 |
| 11 years | $686 |
| 13 years | $3,960 |
| 15 years | $7,233 |
| 17 years | $10,507 |
| 19 years | $13,781 |
| 21 years | $17,055 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Clairton
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Clairton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clairton
For many Clairton homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clairton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Clairton.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Clairton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Clairton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Clairton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Clairton know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $6,341 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,852 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,562 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,470 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,578 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,884 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,389 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,093 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Clairton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming 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.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 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 $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 consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.