Solar Panel Cost Guide in Girard, PA (2023 Update)
- Girard Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $18,971
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Girard
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Girard.
The average cost of solar panels in Girard is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Girard is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,370 for a solar installation, or $17,689 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Girard for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Girard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,116 |
| 3 years | $-8,609 |
| 5 years | $-6,102 |
| 7 years | $-3,595 |
| 9 years | $-1,087 |
| 11 years | $1,420 |
| 13 years | $3,927 |
| 15 years | $6,435 |
| 17 years | $8,942 |
| 19 years | $11,449 |
| 21 years | $13,956 |
| 23 years | $16,464 |
| 25 years | $18,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Girard
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Girard:
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 Girard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Girard
The cost of installing a solar system in Girard can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Girard, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Girard homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Girard is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $16,015 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,639 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,406 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,315 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,367 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $45,563 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $51,901 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $58,381 | 8.9 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Girard, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Girard?
The average cost of solar panels in Girard is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Are solar panels free in Girard?
You can't get solar panels for free in Girard. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Girard?
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.
How long do solar panels last in Girard?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.