Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Oliver, PA (2023 Update)
- Mount Oliver Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $17,273
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Oliver
We go over average solar pricing in Mount Oliver.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Oliver it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,441 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Mount Oliver homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mount Oliver find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Mount Oliver that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mount Oliver
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,253 |
| 3 years | $-8,876 |
| 5 years | $-6,499 |
| 7 years | $-4,122 |
| 9 years | $-1,744 |
| 11 years | $633 |
| 13 years | $3,010 |
| 15 years | $5,387 |
| 17 years | $7,764 |
| 19 years | $10,141 |
| 21 years | $12,518 |
| 23 years | $14,895 |
| 25 years | $17,273 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Oliver
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Mount Oliver:
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 Mount Oliver
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Oliver
Although the average cost of a solar system in Mount Oliver is $12,441, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $14,440 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,539 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,781 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $30,166 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,693 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $41,364 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $47,177 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $53,132 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Mount Oliver, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully 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: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Mount Oliver, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Oliver?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $852.62 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Mount Oliver?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.