Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, PA (2024 Update)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,531
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clay.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clay, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Clay, the average price of going solar will be about $16,331 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Clay homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Clay for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,047 |
| 3 years | $-12,479 |
| 5 years | $-9,911 |
| 7 years | $-7,343 |
| 9 years | $-4,775 |
| 11 years | $-2,207 |
| 13 years | $361 |
| 15 years | $2,929 |
| 17 years | $5,497 |
| 19 years | $8,065 |
| 21 years | $10,633 |
| 23 years | $13,201 |
| 25 years | $15,769 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Clay.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Clay have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clay homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Clay, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $7,557 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,473 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,589 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,903 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,416 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,127 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,038 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,147 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 previous customers.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Clay, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind 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 Clay is currently $301,967, which means you can look forward to a value of about $12,381 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clay is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.