Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monaca, PA (Mar 2023)
- Monaca Solar Installation Cost: $12,459
- 25-Year Savings: $17,255
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monaca
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Monaca.
In Monaca, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Monaca homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,459 with the federal tax credit, or $17,816 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Monaca can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Monaca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,271 |
| 3 years | $-8,894 |
| 5 years | $-6,516 |
| 7 years | $-4,139 |
| 9 years | $-1,762 |
| 11 years | $615 |
| 13 years | $2,992 |
| 15 years | $5,369 |
| 17 years | $7,746 |
| 19 years | $10,123 |
| 21 years | $12,500 |
| 23 years | $14,878 |
| 25 years | $17,255 |
Top Solar Installers in Monaca
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Monaca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monaca
The cost of installing a solar system in Monaca can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Monaca to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down 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 go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Monaca, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Monaca know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,386 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,467 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,691 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $30,058 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,567 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $41,220 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $47,015 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $52,953 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, 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 timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
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 Monaca, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Monaca?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Monaca?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Monaca have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.