Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hermitage, PA (2023 Update)

  • Hermitage Solar Installation Cost: $12,573
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,671
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hermitage

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Hermitage.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hermitage, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hermitage is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,566 for a solar installation, or $17,969 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hermitage homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Hermitage can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Hermitage, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hermitage

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,270
3 years $-8,664
5 years $-6,058
7 years $-3,453
9 years $-847
11 years $1,759
13 years $4,365
15 years $6,970
17 years $9,576
19 years $12,182
21 years $14,788
23 years $17,393
25 years $19,999

Top Solar Installers in Hermitage

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Hermitage

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hermitage

Though the average cost of a solar system in Hermitage is $12,566, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The 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 electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hermitage average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Hermitage, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hermitage is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $9,513 13.5 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $12,969 13.2 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $16,569 13.0 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $20,311 12.7 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $24,196 12.4 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $28,224 12.2 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $32,394 11.9 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $36,708 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Hermitage, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hermitage?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hermitage?

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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $688.38 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Hermitage?

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 higher level 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.

Follow us