Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarks Summit, PA (2023 Update)
- Clarks Summit Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $15,085
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarks Summit
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clarks Summit.
In Clarks Summit, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Clarks Summit, the average price of going solar will be about $12,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Clarks Summit depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Clarks Summit, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarks Summit
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,272 |
| 3 years | $-9,075 |
| 5 years | $-6,879 |
| 7 years | $-4,683 |
| 9 years | $-2,486 |
| 11 years | $-290 |
| 13 years | $1,907 |
| 15 years | $4,103 |
| 17 years | $6,299 |
| 19 years | $8,496 |
| 21 years | $10,692 |
| 23 years | $12,889 |
| 25 years | $15,085 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarks Summit
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in Clarks Summit
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarks Summit
For many Clarks Summit homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clarks Summit, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Clarks Summit, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Clarks Summit, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,633 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,129 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,769 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,551 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,476 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,543 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,754 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,107 | 10.1 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Clarks Summit, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clarks Summit?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clarks Summit?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clarks Summit. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
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 $792.37 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.