Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monessen, PA (2024 Update)
- Monessen Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $8,492
- Payback Period: 20.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monessen
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Monessen.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Monessen typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,475 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Monessen depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Monessen for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Monessen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,392 |
| 3 years | $-14,226 |
| 5 years | $-12,060 |
| 7 years | $-9,894 |
| 9 years | $-7,729 |
| 11 years | $-5,563 |
| 13 years | $-3,397 |
| 15 years | $-1,231 |
| 17 years | $935 |
| 19 years | $3,101 |
| 21 years | $5,266 |
| 23 years | $7,432 |
| 25 years | $9,598 |
Top Solar Installers in Monessen
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Monessen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monessen
For many Monessen homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Monessen, 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Monessen average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Monessen provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Monessen, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access 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 companies.
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 | $2,449 | 21.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,663 | 21.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,075 | 20.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $6,687 | 20.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $8,497 | 19.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $10,506 | 19.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $12,714 | 19.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $15,120 | 18.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover 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 that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Monessen, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Monessen?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Monessen?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Monessen is currently $78,909, which means you can look forward to a value of about $3,235 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Monessen is a fruitful investment.
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 how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.