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
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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 typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Clifton Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $16,181 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Clifton Heights can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Clifton Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Clifton Heights, we've put together 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Clifton Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton Heights
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Clifton Heights is $16,181, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clifton Heights to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Clifton Heights homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clifton Heights, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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: 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Clifton Heights?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Clifton Heights?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.