Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hermitage, PA (2024 Update)
- Hermitage Solar Installation Cost: $17,503
- 25-Year Savings: $11,671
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hermitage
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Hermitage.
The average cost of a solar system in Hermitage is 4 per watt.The average Hermitage homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,503 with the federal tax credit, or $25,029 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hermitage find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hermitage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,200 |
| 3 years | $-13,595 |
| 5 years | $-10,989 |
| 7 years | $-8,383 |
| 9 years | $-5,777 |
| 11 years | $-3,172 |
| 13 years | $-566 |
| 15 years | $2,040 |
| 17 years | $4,646 |
| 19 years | $7,251 |
| 21 years | $9,857 |
| 23 years | $12,463 |
| 25 years | $15,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Hermitage
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Hermitage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hermitage
For many Hermitage homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hermitage, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hermitage, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hermitage to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hermitage is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $5,145 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,257 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,569 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,079 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $14,788 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $17,696 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $20,802 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $24,108 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Hermitage, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hermitage?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hermitage?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Hermitage?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.