Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, PA (2023 Update)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
- 25-Year Savings: $13,637
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fairview.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fairview is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fairview, the average price of going solar will be about $11,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fairview that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,764 |
| 3 years | $-8,731 |
| 5 years | $-6,697 |
| 7 years | $-4,664 |
| 9 years | $-2,631 |
| 11 years | $-597 |
| 13 years | $1,436 |
| 15 years | $3,470 |
| 17 years | $5,503 |
| 19 years | $7,537 |
| 21 years | $9,570 |
| 23 years | $11,604 |
| 25 years | $13,637 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain 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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
For many Fairview homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fairview, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment 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 Fairview is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $11,973 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,249 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,668 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,230 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,935 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,783 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,773 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,907 | 10.4 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Fairview, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview?
This is a hard 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairview?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably 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 solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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.