Solar Panel Cost Guide in O'Hara, PA (2023 Update)
- O'Hara Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $15,105
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in O'Hara
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in O'Hara.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in O'Hara generally cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in O'Hara is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,441 for a solar installation, or $17,791 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in O'Hara based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in O'Hara can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in O'Hara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,804 |
| 3 years | $-7,531 |
| 5 years | $-4,257 |
| 7 years | $-983 |
| 9 years | $2,291 |
| 11 years | $5,565 |
| 13 years | $8,839 |
| 15 years | $12,112 |
| 17 years | $15,386 |
| 19 years | $18,660 |
| 21 years | $21,934 |
| 23 years | $25,208 |
| 25 years | $28,482 |
Top Solar Installers in O'Hara
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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
See all of the solar companies in O'Hara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in O'Hara
The cost of installing a solar system in O'Hara can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home 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 going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in O'Hara. The 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the O'Hara average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in O'Hara offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in O'Hara, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 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 | $12,574 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,051 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,671 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,434 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,340 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,388 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,579 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,913 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects 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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 O'Hara, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in O'Hara?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in O'Hara?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in O'Hara?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.