Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kittanning, PA (2024 Update)

  • Kittanning Solar Installation Cost: $17,490
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,973
  • Payback Period: 16.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kittanning

We break down average solar pricing in Kittanning.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kittanning typically cost around 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Kittanning, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,490, or $25,011 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Kittanning homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Kittanning that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Kittanning

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,407
3 years $-14,241
5 years $-12,075
7 years $-9,909
9 years $-7,743
11 years $-5,578
13 years $-3,412
15 years $-1,246
17 years $920
19 years $3,086
21 years $5,251
23 years $7,417
25 years $9,583

Top Solar Installers in Kittanning

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $17,490, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Kittanning, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kittanning to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor 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 off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Kittanning’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 $3.69 $15,506 $7,115 17.1 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,885 16.8 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,853 16.5 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $16,020 16.1 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $19,386 15.8 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $22,950 15.5 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $26,714 15.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $30,676 14.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Kittanning, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • 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.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Kittanning, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing 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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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