Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton Heights, PA (2024 Update)

  • Clifton Heights Solar Installation Cost: $16,181
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,023
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton Heights

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Clifton Heights.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clifton Heights, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Clifton Heights, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,181, or $23,139 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Clifton Heights depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clifton Heights find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Clifton Heights, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Clifton Heights

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,890
3 years $-12,310
5 years $-9,729
7 years $-7,149
9 years $-4,568
11 years $-1,988
13 years $593
15 years $3,174
17 years $5,754
19 years $8,335
21 years $10,915
23 years $13,496
25 years $16,076

Top Solar Installers in Clifton Heights

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Clifton Heights

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton Heights

For many Clifton Heights homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clifton Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Clifton Heights, 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Clifton Heights, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Clifton Heights, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $9,047 15.8 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,460 15.5 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $16,072 15.2 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $19,882 14.9 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $23,892 14.6 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $28,100 14.3 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $32,508 14.0 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $37,113 13.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand 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.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Clifton Heights, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clifton Heights?

The average cost of solar panels in Clifton Heights is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost 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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Clifton Heights?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though 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 choose to replace them once you've had 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.

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