Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadville, PA (2023 Update)
- Meadville Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $18,915
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadville
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Meadville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Meadville typically cost about 2.55. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Meadville, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Meadville see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meadville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,410 |
| 3 years | $-8,883 |
| 5 years | $-6,356 |
| 7 years | $-3,829 |
| 9 years | $-1,302 |
| 11 years | $1,225 |
| 13 years | $3,752 |
| 15 years | $6,279 |
| 17 years | $8,807 |
| 19 years | $11,334 |
| 21 years | $13,861 |
| 23 years | $16,388 |
| 25 years | $18,915 |
Top Solar Installers in Meadville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
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 Meadville:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Meadville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meadville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Meadville is $12,674, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Meadville, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Meadville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,566 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,041 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $26,658 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $32,418 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $38,321 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $44,367 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $50,555 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $56,886 | 9.0 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. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Meadville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meadville?
The average cost of solar panels in Meadville 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Meadville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $890.16 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.