Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Burrell, PA (Mar 2023)

  • Lower Burrell Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,385
  • Payback Period: 13.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Lower Burrell

We break down average solar pricing in Lower Burrell.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Lower Burrell is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,549 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Lower Burrell homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Lower Burrell, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lower Burrell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,591
3 years $-9,676
5 years $-7,762
7 years $-5,847
9 years $-3,932
11 years $-2,018
13 years $-103
15 years $1,812
17 years $3,727
19 years $5,641
21 years $7,556
23 years $9,471
25 years $11,385

Top Solar Installers in Lower Burrell

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Lower Burrell

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Burrell

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Lower Burrell is $12,549, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lower Burrell average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $9,283 13.6 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $12,662 13.4 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $16,185 13.1 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $19,850 12.8 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $23,659 12.6 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $27,610 12.3 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $31,703 12.1 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $35,940 11.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Lower Burrell, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lower Burrell?

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

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lower Burrell?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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 long do solar panels last in Lower Burrell?

Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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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