Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, PA (2023 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $13,313
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Jefferson.
In Jefferson, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Jefferson, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,477, or $17,842 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Jefferson homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Jefferson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,446 |
| 3 years | $-9,382 |
| 5 years | $-7,319 |
| 7 years | $-5,256 |
| 9 years | $-3,193 |
| 11 years | $-1,130 |
| 13 years | $934 |
| 15 years | $2,997 |
| 17 years | $5,060 |
| 19 years | $7,123 |
| 21 years | $9,186 |
| 23 years | $11,250 |
| 25 years | $13,313 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Jefferson, we've organized 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
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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Jefferson, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Jefferson have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Jefferson, you'll have many 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 because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $11,011 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,967 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,065 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,307 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,691 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,218 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,888 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,701 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Jefferson, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jefferson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 install 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.