Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kennedy, PA (2023 Update)
- Kennedy Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $15,105
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kennedy
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kennedy.
In Kennedy, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Kennedy, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,441, or $17,791 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Kennedy homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kennedy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,340 |
| 3 years | $-9,136 |
| 5 years | $-6,932 |
| 7 years | $-4,728 |
| 9 years | $-2,525 |
| 11 years | $-321 |
| 13 years | $1,883 |
| 15 years | $4,086 |
| 17 years | $6,290 |
| 19 years | $8,494 |
| 21 years | $10,698 |
| 23 years | $12,901 |
| 25 years | $15,105 |
Top Solar Installers in Kennedy
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Kennedy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kennedy
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Kennedy: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Kennedy, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Kennedy homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Kennedy homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $12,574 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,051 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,671 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,434 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,340 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,388 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,579 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,913 | 10.2 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 significant role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Kennedy, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kennedy?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kennedy?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $790.43 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Kennedy?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.