Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erie, PA (Mar 2023)
- Erie Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $18,339
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erie
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Erie.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Erie it's 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 true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Erie depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Erie homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Erie for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Erie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,142 |
| 3 years | $-8,685 |
| 5 years | $-6,228 |
| 7 years | $-3,771 |
| 9 years | $-1,315 |
| 11 years | $1,142 |
| 13 years | $3,599 |
| 15 years | $6,056 |
| 17 years | $8,512 |
| 19 years | $10,969 |
| 21 years | $13,426 |
| 23 years | $15,882 |
| 25 years | $18,339 |
Top Solar Installers in Erie
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Erie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erie
For many Erie homeowners, the decision to go solar depends 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Erie. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Erie, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 lot of companies to choose from in Erie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Erie, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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.
Does Erie have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.