Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monaca, PA (2024 Update)
- Monaca Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
- 25-Year Savings: $17,246
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monaca
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Monaca.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Monaca generally cost around 4.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Monaca, the average price of going solar will be about $17,357 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Monaca homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 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 Monaca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,720 |
| 3 years | $-12,446 |
| 5 years | $-9,172 |
| 7 years | $-5,899 |
| 9 years | $-2,625 |
| 11 years | $649 |
| 13 years | $3,923 |
| 15 years | $7,197 |
| 17 years | $10,471 |
| 19 years | $13,744 |
| 21 years | $17,018 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $23,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Monaca
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar 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.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Monaca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monaca
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Monaca: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Monaca homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Monaca homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
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 Monaca is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically 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 extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $10,018 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,755 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,691 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,826 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,159 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,692 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,423 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,353 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Monaca, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Monaca?
The average cost of solar panels in Monaca 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Monaca?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Monaca. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Monaca, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.