Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irwin, PA (2024 Update)
- Irwin Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $12,827
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irwin
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Irwin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Irwin it’s 4 per watt.The average Irwin homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,475 with the federal tax credit, or $24,989 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Irwin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Irwin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,838 |
| 3 years | $-12,564 |
| 5 years | $-9,290 |
| 7 years | $-6,016 |
| 9 years | $-2,742 |
| 11 years | $531 |
| 13 years | $3,805 |
| 15 years | $7,079 |
| 17 years | $10,353 |
| 19 years | $13,627 |
| 21 years | $16,901 |
| 23 years | $20,174 |
| 25 years | $23,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Irwin
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Irwin, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Irwin, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Irwin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irwin
Although the average cost of a solar system in Irwin is $17,475, 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 system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Irwin.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Irwin, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Irwin homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Irwin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Irwin is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,148 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,594 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,240 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,084 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,128 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,369 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,810 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Irwin, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Irwin?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Irwin?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.