Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fayette, PA (2023 Update)
- Fayette Solar Installation Cost: $12,131
- 25-Year Savings: $14,707
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fayette
See how much it might cost to go solar in Fayette.
In Fayette, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Fayette is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,138 for a solar installation, or $17,357 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fayette homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Fayette homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,042 |
| 3 years | $-11,863 |
| 5 years | $-11,684 |
| 7 years | $-11,505 |
| 9 years | $-11,326 |
| 11 years | $-11,147 |
| 13 years | $-10,968 |
| 15 years | $-10,789 |
| 17 years | $-10,610 |
| 19 years | $-10,432 |
| 21 years | $-10,253 |
| 23 years | $-10,074 |
| 25 years | $-9,895 |
Top Solar Installers in Fayette
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Fayette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fayette
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fayette is $12,138, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fayette average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fayette provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fayette, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,556 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,026 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,640 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,396 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,296 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,338 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,522 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,850 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Fayette, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fayette?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fayette?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fayette. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Fayette?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.