Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Fayette, PA (2023 Update)
- North Fayette Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $12,456
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Fayette
We break down average solar pricing in North Fayette.
In North Fayette, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average North Fayette homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,441 with the federal tax credit, or $17,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in North Fayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,446 |
| 3 years | $-9,454 |
| 5 years | $-7,462 |
| 7 years | $-5,470 |
| 9 years | $-3,478 |
| 11 years | $-1,487 |
| 13 years | $505 |
| 15 years | $2,497 |
| 17 years | $4,489 |
| 19 years | $6,480 |
| 21 years | $8,472 |
| 23 years | $10,464 |
| 25 years | $12,456 |
Top Solar Installers in North Fayette
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in North Fayette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Fayette
The cost of installing a solar system in North Fayette 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 you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in North Fayette, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the North Fayette average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Fayette to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. North Fayette's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $10,294 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,011 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,870 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,873 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,018 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,306 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,737 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,311 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 North Fayette, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Fayette?
The average cost of solar panels in North Fayette 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in North Fayette?
A solar panel system isn't free in North Fayette, 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in North Fayette?
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 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.