Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ohara, PA (2023 Update)
- Ohara Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $15,105
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ohara
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Ohara.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ohara typically cost about 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Ohara 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ohara find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Ohara, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ohara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,340 |
| 3 years | $-9,136 |
| 5 years | $-6,932 |
| 7 years | $-4,728 |
| 9 years | $-2,525 |
| 11 years | $-321 |
| 13 years | $1,883 |
| 15 years | $4,086 |
| 17 years | $6,290 |
| 19 years | $8,494 |
| 21 years | $10,698 |
| 23 years | $12,901 |
| 25 years | $15,105 |
Top Solar Installers in Ohara
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Ohara, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ohara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ohara
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ohara, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ohara homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down 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 pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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 installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick 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 clean 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 verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer'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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Ohara, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ohara?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ohara is currently $250,449, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,268 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ohara is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.