Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irwin, PA (2023 Update)
- Irwin Solar Installation Cost: $12,552
- 25-Year Savings: $12,827
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irwin
We break down average solar pricing in Irwin.
The average cost of solar panels in Irwin is 2.55 per watt. The average Irwin homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,549 with the federal tax credit, or $17,945 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Irwin depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Irwin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,915 |
| 3 years | $-7,642 |
| 5 years | $-4,368 |
| 7 years | $-1,094 |
| 9 years | $2,180 |
| 11 years | $5,454 |
| 13 years | $8,728 |
| 15 years | $12,001 |
| 17 years | $15,275 |
| 19 years | $18,549 |
| 21 years | $21,823 |
| 23 years | $25,097 |
| 25 years | $28,371 |
Top Solar Installers in Irwin
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Irwin, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Irwin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irwin
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Irwin. The kind 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Irwin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Irwin to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Irwin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Irwin, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $10,516 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,306 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,240 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,316 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,536 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,897 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,402 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,050 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Irwin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
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 Irwin, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Irwin?
The average cost of solar panels in Irwin 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 things like 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 Irwin?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Irwin?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.