Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, PA (2023 Update)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
- 25-Year Savings: $13,531
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
We break down average solar pricing in Clay.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clay it's 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Clay, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clay homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Clay homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Clay that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,647 |
| 3 years | $-11,478 |
| 5 years | $-11,310 |
| 7 years | $-11,142 |
| 9 years | $-10,973 |
| 11 years | $-10,805 |
| 13 years | $-10,636 |
| 15 years | $-10,468 |
| 17 years | $-10,299 |
| 19 years | $-10,131 |
| 21 years | $-9,963 |
| 23 years | $-9,794 |
| 25 years | $-9,626 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Clay, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Clay: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Clay. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Clay's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Clay have more knowledge 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,925 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,185 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,589 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,135 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,824 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,655 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,630 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,747 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer 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
EcoWatch's Clay, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?
The average cost of solar panels in Clay is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clay?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
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 $768.77 per year.
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 the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.