Solar Panel Cost Guide in Edinboro, PA (Mar 2023)
- Edinboro Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $19,218
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Edinboro
We go over average solar pricing in Edinboro.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Edinboro is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Edinboro, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,370, or $17,689 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Edinboro homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Edinboro homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Edinboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,107 |
| 3 years | $-8,579 |
| 5 years | $-6,052 |
| 7 years | $-3,525 |
| 9 years | $-998 |
| 11 years | $1,529 |
| 13 years | $4,056 |
| 15 years | $6,583 |
| 17 years | $9,110 |
| 19 years | $11,637 |
| 21 years | $14,164 |
| 23 years | $16,691 |
| 25 years | $19,218 |
Top Solar Installers in Edinboro
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Edinboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Edinboro
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Edinboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Edinboro, 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 $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Edinboro, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Edinboro have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Edinboro's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $16,229 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,925 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,763 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,744 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,867 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $46,134 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $52,543 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $59,095 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Edinboro, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Edinboro?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Edinboro?
Solar panels aren't free in Edinboro, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Edinboro, 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.
How long do solar panels last in Edinboro?
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 choose to replace them after having 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.