Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, PA (2024 Update)
- Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Mount Pleasant.
In Mount Pleasant, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,475 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mount Pleasant see about $11,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant
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 Mount Pleasant
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Mount Pleasant
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Mount Pleasant, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Mount Pleasant homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Mount Pleasant’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that offers 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 | $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 company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Mount Pleasant, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mount Pleasant, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.