Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, PA (2023 Update)
- Mount Pleasant Solar Installation Cost: $12,552
- 25-Year Savings: $8,492
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Pleasant
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Mount Pleasant.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Pleasant it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Mount Pleasant is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,549 for a solar installation, or $17,945 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,469 |
| 3 years | $-9,304 |
| 5 years | $-7,138 |
| 7 years | $-4,972 |
| 9 years | $-2,806 |
| 11 years | $-640 |
| 13 years | $1,526 |
| 15 years | $3,691 |
| 17 years | $5,857 |
| 19 years | $8,023 |
| 21 years | $10,189 |
| 23 years | $12,355 |
| 25 years | $14,520 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Pleasant
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Pleasant
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Mount Pleasant: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy 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 largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mount Pleasant average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mount Pleasant homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mount Pleasant is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better 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 promotion 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Pleasant, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Mount Pleasant?
Solar panels aren't free in Mount Pleasant, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.