Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mccandless, PA (Mar 2023)
- Mccandless Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $13,788
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mccandless
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Mccandless.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mccandless, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,441 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mccandless see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Mccandless for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mccandless
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,392 |
| 3 years | $-9,294 |
| 5 years | $-7,196 |
| 7 years | $-5,097 |
| 9 years | $-2,999 |
| 11 years | $-900 |
| 13 years | $1,198 |
| 15 years | $3,296 |
| 17 years | $5,395 |
| 19 years | $7,493 |
| 21 years | $9,591 |
| 23 years | $11,690 |
| 25 years | $13,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Mccandless
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Mccandless
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mccandless
While the average cost of a solar system in Mccandless is $12,441, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Mccandless, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to add 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
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $11,441 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,540 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,782 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,167 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,694 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,365 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,178 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,134 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Mccandless, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Mccandless, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mccandless?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more 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 less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mccandless?
Solar panels aren't free in Mccandless, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mccandless is currently $259,574, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,643 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mccandless is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Mccandless?
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.