Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erie, PA (2024 Update)

  • Erie Solar Installation Cost: $17,209
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,348
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erie

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Erie.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Erie typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Erie is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,209 for a solar installation, or $24,609 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Erie homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Erie

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,732
3 years $-12,777
5 years $-9,822
7 years $-6,867
9 years $-3,912
11 years $-957
13 years $1,998
15 years $4,953
17 years $7,908
19 years $10,863
21 years $13,818
23 years $16,772
25 years $19,727

Top Solar Installers in Erie

Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Erie:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Erie

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erie

The cost of installing a solar system in Erie can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Erie, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Erie offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with 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 figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Erie is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $11,100 14.6 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $15,197 14.3 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $19,493 14.0 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $23,988 13.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $28,682 13.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $33,575 13.2 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $38,666 12.9 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $43,957 12.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $886.87 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Erie?

Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.

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