Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadville, PA (2024 Update)

  • Meadville Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,920
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Meadville

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Meadville.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Meadville typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $17,636 before the 0 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 quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Meadville can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Meadville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,159
3 years $-13,204
5 years $-10,249
7 years $-7,294
9 years $-4,339
11 years $-1,384
13 years $1,571
15 years $4,526
17 years $7,481
19 years $10,436
21 years $13,390
23 years $16,345
25 years $19,300

Top Solar Installers in Meadville

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

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 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 Meadville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meadville

For many Meadville homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Meadville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Meadville have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind 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 installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Meadville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 $3.69 $15,506 $11,198 14.5 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $15,329 14.2 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $19,658 14.0 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $24,186 13.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $28,913 13.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $33,839 13.1 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $38,963 12.8 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $44,286 12.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects 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:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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 hire.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Meadville, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meadville?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Meadville?

Solar panels aren’t free in Meadville, 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 can further reduce the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Meadville?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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