Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coal, PA (Mar 2023)
- Coal Solar Installation Cost: $12,299
- 25-Year Savings: $12,012
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coal
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Coal.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Coal it's 2.55 per watt. The average Coal homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,299 with the federal tax credit, or $17,588 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Coal homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Coal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,326 |
| 3 years | $-9,381 |
| 5 years | $-7,436 |
| 7 years | $-5,492 |
| 9 years | $-3,547 |
| 11 years | $-1,602 |
| 13 years | $343 |
| 15 years | $2,288 |
| 17 years | $4,233 |
| 19 years | $6,178 |
| 21 years | $8,122 |
| 23 years | $10,067 |
| 25 years | $12,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Coal
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are various 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Coal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coal
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Coal homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Coal, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,028 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,656 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,427 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,340 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,397 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,596 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,938 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $38,423 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Coal, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Coal?
The average cost of solar panels in Coal is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Coal?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Coal?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.