Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarks Summit, PA (2024 Update)
- Clarks Summit Solar Installation Cost: $17,221
- 25-Year Savings: $15,085
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarks Summit
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Clarks Summit.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clarks Summit typically cost around 4.The average Clarks Summit homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,221 with the federal tax credit, or $24,626 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Clarks Summit homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility 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 Clarks Summit
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,743 |
| 3 years | $-12,788 |
| 5 years | $-9,833 |
| 7 years | $-6,878 |
| 9 years | $-3,923 |
| 11 years | $-968 |
| 13 years | $1,987 |
| 15 years | $4,942 |
| 17 years | $7,896 |
| 19 years | $10,851 |
| 21 years | $13,806 |
| 23 years | $16,761 |
| 25 years | $19,716 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarks Summit
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Clarks Summit
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarks Summit
The cost of installing a solar system in Clarks Summit can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clarks Summit, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clarks Summit to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Clarks Summit’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Clarks Summit are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage 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 | $8,265 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,417 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,769 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,319 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,068 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,015 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,162 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,507 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Clarks Summit, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarks Summit?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarks Summit 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clarks Summit is currently $295,538, so you could be looking at a value of about $12,117 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clarks Summit is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.