Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellwood City, PA (2024 Update)
- Ellwood City Solar Installation Cost: $17,371
- 25-Year Savings: $11,766
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ellwood City
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ellwood City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ellwood City, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Ellwood City homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,371 with the federal tax credit, or $24,841 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Ellwood City homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Ellwood City for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ellwood City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,068 |
| 3 years | $-13,462 |
| 5 years | $-10,856 |
| 7 years | $-8,251 |
| 9 years | $-5,645 |
| 11 years | $-3,039 |
| 13 years | $-433 |
| 15 years | $2,172 |
| 17 years | $4,778 |
| 19 years | $7,384 |
| 21 years | $9,990 |
| 23 years | $12,595 |
| 25 years | $15,201 |
Top Solar Installers in Ellwood City
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ellwood City, 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 Ellwood City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ellwood City
The cost of installing a solar system in Ellwood City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Ellwood City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ellwood City, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ellwood City is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $5,302 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,468 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,831 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,394 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,156 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,116 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,275 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $24,633 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Ellwood City, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ellwood City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ellwood City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ellwood City is currently $135,157, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,541 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ellwood City is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.