Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Kensington, PA (Feb 2023)
- New Kensington Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $12,830
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Kensington
We break down average solar pricing in New Kensington.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Kensington typically cost about $3. The average solar panel system size in New Kensington is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,549 for a solar installation, or $9,286 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Kensington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,533 |
| 3 years | $-9,503 |
| 5 years | $-7,473 |
| 7 years | $-5,442 |
| 9 years | $-3,412 |
| 11 years | $-1,382 |
| 13 years | $649 |
| 15 years | $2,679 |
| 17 years | $4,709 |
| 19 years | $6,739 |
| 21 years | $8,770 |
| 23 years | $10,800 |
| 25 years | $12,830 |
Top Solar Installers in New Kensington
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 New Kensington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Kensington
The cost of installing a solar system in New Kensington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the New Kensington average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in New Kensington, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for New Kensington homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in New Kensington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,516 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,306 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,240 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,316 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,536 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,897 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,402 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,050 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 New Kensington, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Kensington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in New Kensington?
Solar panels aren't free in New Kensington, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in New Kensington?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in New Kensington?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.