Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coal, PA (2023 Update)
- Coal Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $12,010
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coal
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Coal.
The average cost of a solar system in Coal is 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Coal homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Coal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,220 |
| 3 years | $-12,058 |
| 5 years | $-11,896 |
| 7 years | $-11,734 |
| 9 years | $-11,572 |
| 11 years | $-11,410 |
| 13 years | $-11,248 |
| 15 years | $-11,086 |
| 17 years | $-10,923 |
| 19 years | $-10,761 |
| 21 years | $-10,599 |
| 23 years | $-10,437 |
| 25 years | $-10,275 |
Top Solar Installers in Coal
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
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
See all of the solar companies in Coal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coal
The cost of installing a solar system in Coal can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Coal homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Coal homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and 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
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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $705.53 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.