Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kittanning, PA (2023 Update)
- Kittanning Solar Installation Cost: $12,563
- 25-Year Savings: $13,973
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kittanning
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Kittanning.
The average cost of solar panels in Kittanning is 2.55 per watt. The average Kittanning homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,566 with the federal tax credit, or $17,969 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Kittanning depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Kittanning homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Kittanning for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kittanning
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,480 |
| 3 years | $-9,314 |
| 5 years | $-7,148 |
| 7 years | $-4,983 |
| 9 years | $-2,817 |
| 11 years | $-651 |
| 13 years | $1,515 |
| 15 years | $3,681 |
| 17 years | $5,846 |
| 19 years | $8,012 |
| 21 years | $10,178 |
| 23 years | $12,344 |
| 25 years | $14,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Kittanning
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Another upside of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Kittanning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kittanning
Although the average cost of a solar system in Kittanning is $12,566, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kittanning to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kittanning, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,483 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,597 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,853 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,252 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,794 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,478 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,306 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,276 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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 provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Kittanning, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kittanning?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kittanning?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $754.06 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Kittanning?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.