Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarion, PA (2024 Update)
- Clarion Solar Installation Cost: $17,691
- 25-Year Savings: $14,769
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarion
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Clarion.
The average cost of solar panels in Clarion is 4 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Clarion, the average price of going solar will be about $17,691 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Clarion can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,213 |
| 3 years | $-13,258 |
| 5 years | $-10,303 |
| 7 years | $-7,348 |
| 9 years | $-4,393 |
| 11 years | $-1,439 |
| 13 years | $1,516 |
| 15 years | $4,471 |
| 17 years | $7,426 |
| 19 years | $10,381 |
| 21 years | $13,336 |
| 23 years | $16,291 |
| 25 years | $19,246 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarion
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Clarion:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Clarion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarion
There are many 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 does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Clarion, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Clarion, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Clarion, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Clarion 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Clarion is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,651 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,598 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,745 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,090 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,635 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,378 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,319 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,460 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Clarion, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clarion?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clarion?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clarion. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $771.90 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.