Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, PA (2023 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $12,470
- 25-Year Savings: $13,320
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Jefferson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Jefferson, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Jefferson is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,477 for a solar installation, or $17,842 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Jefferson homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,194 |
| 3 years | $-8,641 |
| 5 years | $-6,088 |
| 7 years | $-3,535 |
| 9 years | $-983 |
| 11 years | $1,570 |
| 13 years | $4,123 |
| 15 years | $6,676 |
| 17 years | $9,229 |
| 19 years | $11,781 |
| 21 years | $14,334 |
| 23 years | $16,887 |
| 25 years | $19,440 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Jefferson:
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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
For many Jefferson homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jefferson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Jefferson have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea 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 solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Jefferson, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Jefferson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Jefferson. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Jefferson is currently $204,062, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,367 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Jefferson is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.