Solar Panel Cost Guide in DuBois, PA (2023 Update)
- DuBois Solar Installation Cost: $12,601
- 25-Year Savings: $15,998
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in DuBois
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in DuBois.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in DuBois it's 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in DuBois, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,602, or $18,021 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average DuBois homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in DuBois, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in DuBois
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,506 |
| 3 years | $-12,315 |
| 5 years | $-12,125 |
| 7 years | $-11,934 |
| 9 years | $-11,743 |
| 11 years | $-11,553 |
| 13 years | $-11,362 |
| 15 years | $-11,171 |
| 17 years | $-10,981 |
| 19 years | $-10,790 |
| 21 years | $-10,599 |
| 23 years | $-10,409 |
| 25 years | $-10,218 |
Top Solar Installers in DuBois
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 DuBois
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DuBois
The cost of installing a solar system in DuBois can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on 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
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in DuBois. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like DuBois, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in DuBois, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact the cost. DuBois' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,168 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,843 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,661 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,621 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,724 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,970 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,359 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,891 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 DuBois, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in DuBois?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in DuBois?
A solar panel system isn't free in DuBois, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in DuBois, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.