Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain Top, PA (Mar 2023)
- Mountain Top Solar Installation Cost: $12,406
- 25-Year Savings: $8,802
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain Top
We break down average solar pricing in Mountain Top.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mountain Top generally cost about 2.55. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mountain Top, the average price of going solar will be about $12,406 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mountain Top find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Mountain Top, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mountain Top
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,557 |
| 3 years | $-9,861 |
| 5 years | $-8,164 |
| 7 years | $-6,467 |
| 9 years | $-4,771 |
| 11 years | $-3,074 |
| 13 years | $-1,377 |
| 15 years | $319 |
| 17 years | $2,016 |
| 19 years | $3,713 |
| 21 years | $5,409 |
| 23 years | $7,106 |
| 25 years | $8,802 |
Top Solar Installers in Mountain Top
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Mountain Top, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Mountain Top
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain Top
For many Mountain Top homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mountain Top, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mountain Top to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mountain Top 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Mountain Top, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $7,177 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,855 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,676 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,640 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,746 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,995 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $25,387 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $28,922 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Mountain Top, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you 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.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Mountain Top, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mountain Top?
This is a hard 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mountain Top?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Mountain Top?
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 higher 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.