Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellwood City, PA (Mar 2023)
- Ellwood City Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $11,766
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ellwood City
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ellwood City.
In Ellwood City, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Ellwood City is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,477 for a solar installation, or $17,842 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Ellwood City can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Ellwood City for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Ellwood City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,507 |
| 3 years | $-9,568 |
| 5 years | $-7,628 |
| 7 years | $-5,689 |
| 9 years | $-3,750 |
| 11 years | $-1,810 |
| 13 years | $129 |
| 15 years | $2,069 |
| 17 years | $4,008 |
| 19 years | $5,948 |
| 21 years | $7,887 |
| 23 years | $9,827 |
| 25 years | $11,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Ellwood City
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 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 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 dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Ellwood City. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ellwood City provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ellwood City is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $9,670 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,180 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $16,831 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $20,626 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $24,564 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $28,644 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $32,867 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $37,233 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Ellwood City, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ellwood City?
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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality 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 expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Ellwood City?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.