Solar Panel Cost Guide in Conemaugh, PA (2024 Update)
- Conemaugh Solar Installation Cost: $17,040
- 25-Year Savings: $15,972
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Conemaugh
We go over average solar pricing in Conemaugh.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Conemaugh it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Conemaugh, the average price of going solar will be about $17,040 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Conemaugh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,563 |
| 3 years | $-12,608 |
| 5 years | $-9,653 |
| 7 years | $-6,698 |
| 9 years | $-3,743 |
| 11 years | $-788 |
| 13 years | $2,167 |
| 15 years | $5,122 |
| 17 years | $8,077 |
| 19 years | $11,032 |
| 21 years | $13,987 |
| 23 years | $16,942 |
| 25 years | $19,896 |
Top Solar Installers in Conemaugh
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Conemaugh, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Conemaugh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Conemaugh
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Conemaugh, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Conemaugh to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Conemaugh, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Conemaugh are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $9,179 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,636 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,292 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $20,146 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $24,200 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,452 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,903 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,553 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Conemaugh, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Conemaugh?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Conemaugh is currently $131,333, so you can expect a value of about $5,385 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Conemaugh is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.