Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, PA (2024 Update)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $15,189
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fairview.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fairview is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,398 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Fairview depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairview find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fairview for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,135 |
| 3 years | $-12,608 |
| 5 years | $-10,081 |
| 7 years | $-7,554 |
| 9 years | $-5,027 |
| 11 years | $-2,500 |
| 13 years | $27 |
| 15 years | $2,554 |
| 17 years | $5,081 |
| 19 years | $7,608 |
| 21 years | $10,135 |
| 23 years | $12,662 |
| 25 years | $15,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fairview, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fairview, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Fairview have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fairview homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fairview, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. 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 generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,605 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,537 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,668 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,998 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,527 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,255 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,181 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,307 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fairview, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairview is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairview?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairview?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Fairview?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.