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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clay.
In Clay, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Clay homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Clay, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Clay: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Clay, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting 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 company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Clay, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $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 solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Clay, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind 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 Clay is currently $301,967, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,381 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clay is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Clay?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.