Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellwood City, PA (2025 Update)
- Ellwood City Solar Installation Cost: $17,371
- 25-Year Savings: $11,766
- Payback Period: 17.9 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 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 typical 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.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Ellwood City depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Ellwood City can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Ellwood City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 provides 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 | $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
There are many companies to choose from in Ellwood City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model 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.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Ellwood City is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ellwood City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 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.