Solar Panel Cost Guide in College, PA (2024 Update)
- College Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $10,539
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in College
We go over average solar pricing in College.
In College, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in College, the average price of going solar will be about $17,416 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average College homeowner can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in College
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,267 |
| 3 years | $-13,970 |
| 5 years | $-11,673 |
| 7 years | $-9,375 |
| 9 years | $-7,078 |
| 11 years | $-4,781 |
| 13 years | $-2,483 |
| 15 years | $-186 |
| 17 years | $2,111 |
| 19 years | $4,409 |
| 21 years | $6,706 |
| 23 years | $9,003 |
| 25 years | $11,301 |
Top Solar Installers in College
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
See all of the solar companies in College
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in College
Though the average cost of a solar system in College is $17,416, your final cost may differ. There are many 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in College.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the College average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in College to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $4,226 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $6,033 | 19.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $8,038 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $10,242 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $12,645 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $15,246 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $18,046 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $21,046 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's College, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in College?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in College?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in College?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.