Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fayette, PA (2024 Update)
- Fayette Solar Installation Cost: $16,889
- 25-Year Savings: $14,707
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fayette
We go over average solar pricing in Fayette.
The average cost of solar panels in Fayette is 4 per watt.The average Fayette homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,889 with the federal tax credit, or $24,151 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.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 energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,477 |
| 3 years | $-12,654 |
| 5 years | $-9,831 |
| 7 years | $-7,008 |
| 9 years | $-4,185 |
| 11 years | $-1,362 |
| 13 years | $1,461 |
| 15 years | $4,284 |
| 17 years | $7,107 |
| 19 years | $9,930 |
| 21 years | $12,753 |
| 23 years | $15,577 |
| 25 years | $18,400 |
Top Solar Installers in Fayette
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Fayette, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fayette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fayette
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fayette average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fayette homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fayette homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fayette, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fayette have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $8,188 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,314 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,640 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,164 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,888 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,810 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,930 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,250 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Fayette, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fayette?
The average cost of solar panels in Fayette 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fayette?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.