Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ligonier, PA (2023 Update)

  • Ligonier Solar Installation Cost: $12,552
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,111
  • Payback Period: 12.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Ligonier

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ligonier.

In Ligonier, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Ligonier homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,549 with the federal tax credit, or $17,945 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ligonier find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Ligonier

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,467
3 years $-12,296
5 years $-12,125
7 years $-11,953
9 years $-11,782
11 years $-11,611
13 years $-11,440
15 years $-11,269
17 years $-11,098
19 years $-10,927
21 years $-10,756
23 years $-10,585
25 years $-10,414

Top Solar Installers in Ligonier

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ligonier:

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 Ligonier

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ligonier

Although the average cost of a solar system in Ligonier is $12,549, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Ligonier. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Ligonier offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ligonier is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.

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 $10,758 12.7 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $14,630 12.5 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $18,645 12.2 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $22,802 12.0 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $27,102 11.7 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $31,545 11.5 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $36,131 11.2 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $40,859 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Ligonier, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.

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 Ligonier, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ligonier?

The average cost of solar panels in Ligonier is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ligonier?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.

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