Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Fayette, PA (2024 Update)
- North Fayette Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $12,456
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Fayette
We go over average solar pricing in North Fayette.
The average cost of a solar system in North Fayette is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in North Fayette is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,320 for a solar installation, or $24,768 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Fayette find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in North Fayette, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Fayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,776 |
| 3 years | $-12,687 |
| 5 years | $-9,597 |
| 7 years | $-6,508 |
| 9 years | $-3,419 |
| 11 years | $-330 |
| 13 years | $2,759 |
| 15 years | $5,848 |
| 17 years | $8,938 |
| 19 years | $12,027 |
| 21 years | $15,116 |
| 23 years | $18,205 |
| 25 years | $21,294 |
Top Solar Installers in North Fayette
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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 depends 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Fayette average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. North Fayette’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,926 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,299 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,870 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,641 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,610 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,778 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,145 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,711 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer 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: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's North Fayette, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Fayette?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Fayette?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Fayette?
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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.