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 about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,221 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Clarks Summit homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Clarks Summit that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
There are a number of criteria that can influence 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
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Clarks Summit.The brand and type 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 have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clarks Summit to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
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, which means 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 rewarding investment.
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 needs 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 house 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.