Solar Panel Cost Guide in Latrobe, PA (2024 Update)
- Latrobe Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $8,492
- Payback Period: 20.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Latrobe
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Latrobe.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Latrobe, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Latrobe is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,475 for a solar installation, or $24,989 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Latrobe homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Latrobe homeowner can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Latrobe
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,392 |
3 years | $-14,226 |
5 years | $-12,060 |
7 years | $-9,894 |
9 years | $-7,729 |
11 years | $-5,563 |
13 years | $-3,397 |
15 years | $-1,231 |
17 years | $935 |
19 years | $3,101 |
21 years | $5,266 |
23 years | $7,432 |
25 years | $9,598 |
Top Solar Installers in Latrobe
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Latrobe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Latrobe
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Latrobe is $17,475, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a 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 determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Latrobe’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $2,449 | 21.6 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,663 | 21.2 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,075 | 20.8 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $6,687 | 20.3 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $8,497 | 19.9 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $10,506 | 19.5 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $12,714 | 19.1 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $15,120 | 18.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Latrobe, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Latrobe?
The average cost of solar panels in Latrobe is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Latrobe?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Latrobe. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Latrobe?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.