Solar Panel Cost Guide in Latrobe, PA (Mar 2023)
- Latrobe Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $8,495
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Latrobe
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Latrobe.
The average cost of a solar system in Latrobe is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Latrobe is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,549 for a solar installation, or $17,945 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $11,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Latrobe find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Latrobe for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Latrobe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,707 |
| 3 years | $-10,023 |
| 5 years | $-8,340 |
| 7 years | $-6,656 |
| 9 years | $-4,973 |
| 11 years | $-3,289 |
| 13 years | $-1,606 |
| 15 years | $78 |
| 17 years | $1,761 |
| 19 years | $3,445 |
| 21 years | $5,128 |
| 23 years | $6,812 |
| 25 years | $8,495 |
Top Solar Installers in Latrobe
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Latrobe:
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 Latrobe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Latrobe
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Latrobe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Latrobe, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Latrobe, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Latrobe homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Latrobe homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Latrobe, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $6,817 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,375 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,075 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,919 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,905 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,034 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,306 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,720 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Latrobe, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Latrobe?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Latrobe?
Solar panels aren't free in Latrobe, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 goes down 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.