Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakmont, PA (2023 Update)
- Oakmont Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $12,938
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakmont
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oakmont.
In Oakmont, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,441 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Oakmont homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. 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.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Oakmont that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oakmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,426 |
| 3 years | $-9,396 |
| 5 years | $-7,366 |
| 7 years | $-5,335 |
| 9 years | $-3,305 |
| 11 years | $-1,275 |
| 13 years | $756 |
| 15 years | $2,786 |
| 17 years | $4,816 |
| 19 years | $6,847 |
| 21 years | $8,877 |
| 23 years | $10,907 |
| 25 years | $12,938 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakmont
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Oakmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakmont
The cost of installing a solar system in Oakmont 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Oakmont. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Oakmont homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. 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 on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Oakmont, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Oakmont know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $10,709 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,564 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,562 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,702 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,986 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,412 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,981 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,693 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Oakmont, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oakmont?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oakmont?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.