Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monessen, PA (2023 Update)
- Monessen Solar Installation Cost: $12,552
- 25-Year Savings: $8,492
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monessen
We go over average solar pricing in Monessen.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Monessen is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Monessen, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,549, or $17,945 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Monessen based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Monessen homeowner can save about $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Monessen for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Monessen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,482 |
| 3 years | $-12,342 |
| 5 years | $-12,202 |
| 7 years | $-12,061 |
| 9 years | $-11,921 |
| 11 years | $-11,781 |
| 13 years | $-11,640 |
| 15 years | $-11,500 |
| 17 years | $-11,360 |
| 19 years | $-11,219 |
| 21 years | $-11,079 |
| 23 years | $-10,939 |
| 25 years | $-10,799 |
Top Solar Installers in Monessen
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
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
See all of the solar companies in Monessen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monessen
The cost of installing a solar system in Monessen can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 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 have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually 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 add-on 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $6,817 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,375 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,075 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,919 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,905 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,034 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,306 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,720 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Monessen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Monessen?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Monessen?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $598.50 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.