Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monongahela, PA (2024 Update)
- Monongahela Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
- 25-Year Savings: $13,058
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monongahela
We go over average solar pricing in Monongahela.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Monongahela generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,152 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Monongahela depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Monongahela can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Monongahela that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Monongahela
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,515 |
| 3 years | $-12,242 |
| 5 years | $-8,968 |
| 7 years | $-5,694 |
| 9 years | $-2,420 |
| 11 years | $854 |
| 13 years | $4,128 |
| 15 years | $7,401 |
| 17 years | $10,675 |
| 19 years | $13,949 |
| 21 years | $17,223 |
| 23 years | $20,497 |
| 25 years | $23,771 |
Top Solar Installers in Monongahela
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Monongahela
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monongahela
For many Monongahela homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Monongahela, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Monongahela.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Monongahela homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Monongahela, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,554 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,137 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,918 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,898 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,077 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,455 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,031 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,806 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Monongahela, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Monongahela?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Monongahela?
Solar panels aren’t free in Monongahela, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Monongahela?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.