Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irwin, PA (Mar 2023)
- Irwin Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $12,830
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irwin
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Irwin.
In Irwin, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Irwin, the average price of going solar will be about $12,549 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Irwin homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Irwin find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Irwin that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Irwin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,533 |
| 3 years | $-9,503 |
| 5 years | $-7,473 |
| 7 years | $-5,442 |
| 9 years | $-3,412 |
| 11 years | $-1,382 |
| 13 years | $649 |
| 15 years | $2,679 |
| 17 years | $4,709 |
| 19 years | $6,739 |
| 21 years | $8,770 |
| 23 years | $10,800 |
| 25 years | $12,830 |
Top Solar Installers in Irwin
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Irwin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irwin
There are several factors that can affect your 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Irwin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Irwin provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Irwin, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Irwin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.