Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarion, PA (Feb 2023)
- Clarion Solar Installation Cost: $12,709
- 25-Year Savings: $14,767
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarion
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clarion.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clarion it's $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Clarion, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,709, or $9,405 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Clarion homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,610 |
| 3 years | $-9,412 |
| 5 years | $-7,214 |
| 7 years | $-5,016 |
| 9 years | $-2,818 |
| 11 years | $-620 |
| 13 years | $1,578 |
| 15 years | $3,776 |
| 17 years | $5,974 |
| 19 years | $8,173 |
| 21 years | $10,371 |
| 23 years | $12,569 |
| 25 years | $14,767 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarion
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Clarion, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Clarion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarion
Although the average cost of a solar system in Clarion is $12,709, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Clarion's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Clarion are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,019 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,310 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,745 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,322 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,043 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,906 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,911 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,060 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Clarion, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarion?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarion 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places 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.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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.