Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunbar, PA (2024 Update)
- Dunbar Solar Installation Cost: $17,457
- 25-Year Savings: $9,714
- Payback Period: 19.6 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 Dunbar
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dunbar.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dunbar is 4 per watt.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Dunbar, the average price of going solar will be about $17,457 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 may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dunbar find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Dunbar, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dunbar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,330 |
| 3 years | $-14,076 |
| 5 years | $-11,823 |
| 7 years | $-9,569 |
| 9 years | $-7,316 |
| 11 years | $-5,062 |
| 13 years | $-2,809 |
| 15 years | $-555 |
| 17 years | $1,698 |
| 19 years | $3,952 |
| 21 years | $6,205 |
| 23 years | $8,459 |
| 25 years | $10,712 |
Top Solar Installers in Dunbar
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Dunbar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunbar
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dunbar is $17,457, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Dunbar, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dunbar to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dunbar, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3,501 | 20.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $5,065 | 20.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $6,829 | 19.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $8,791 | 19.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $10,952 | 18.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $13,311 | 18.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $15,870 | 18.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $18,627 | 17.6 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Dunbar, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunbar?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Dunbar?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 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 get 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.