Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton Heights, PA (2023 Update)

  • Clifton Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,620
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,025
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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

Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clifton Heights.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clifton Heights, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Clifton Heights homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,620 with the federal tax credit, or $16,617 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Clifton Heights can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Clifton Heights

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,555
3 years $-8,423
5 years $-6,291
7 years $-4,160
9 years $-2,028
11 years $104
13 years $2,235
15 years $4,367
17 years $6,499
19 years $8,630
21 years $10,762
23 years $12,894
25 years $15,025

Top Solar Installers in Clifton Heights

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 comes down to 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 numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Clifton Heights average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Clifton Heights, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Clifton Heights have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $13,415 11.3 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $18,172 11.1 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $23,072 10.9 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $28,114 10.7 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $33,300 10.5 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $38,628 10.3 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $44,100 10.0 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $49,713 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.

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?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Clifton Heights?

A solar panel system isn't free in Clifton Heights, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Clifton Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for 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 take a 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 install 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.

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