Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kittanning, PA (2023 Update)
- Kittanning Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $13,970
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kittanning
We break down average solar pricing in Kittanning.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kittanning it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kittanning is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,566 for a solar installation, or $17,969 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Kittanning depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Kittanning for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Kittanning
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,505 |
| 3 years | $-9,382 |
| 5 years | $-7,259 |
| 7 years | $-5,136 |
| 9 years | $-3,013 |
| 11 years | $-891 |
| 13 years | $1,232 |
| 15 years | $3,355 |
| 17 years | $5,478 |
| 19 years | $7,601 |
| 21 years | $9,724 |
| 23 years | $11,847 |
| 25 years | $13,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Kittanning
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Kittanning, the EcoWatch team has 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 Kittanning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kittanning
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Kittanning: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Kittanning, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kittanning is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Kittanning, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kittanning?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Kittanning, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.