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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Meadville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Meadville, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Meadville, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,636, or $25,219 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Meadville, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 adopt solar energy depends on 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Meadville, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Meadville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
There are a large number of companies available in Meadville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Meadville?
The average cost of solar panels in Meadville is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Meadville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Meadville, 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 you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 needs 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.