Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erie, PA (2023 Update)
- Erie Solar Installation Cost: $12,362
- 25-Year Savings: $18,348
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erie
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Erie.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Erie, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Erie homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,370 with the federal tax credit, or $17,689 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Erie can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Erie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,884 |
| 3 years | $-7,929 |
| 5 years | $-4,974 |
| 7 years | $-2,019 |
| 9 years | $936 |
| 11 years | $3,891 |
| 13 years | $6,845 |
| 15 years | $9,800 |
| 17 years | $12,755 |
| 19 years | $15,710 |
| 21 years | $18,665 |
| 23 years | $21,620 |
| 25 years | $24,575 |
Top Solar Installers in Erie
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
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 in Erie:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Erie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erie
For many Erie homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Erie, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Erie, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Erie to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Erie is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $15,468 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $20,909 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $26,493 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $32,220 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $38,090 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $44,103 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $50,258 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $56,557 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Erie, 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: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Erie, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Erie?
The average cost of solar panels in Erie is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Erie?
You can't get solar panels for free in Erie. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Erie, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Erie?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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.