Solar Panel Cost Guide in Parkesburg, PA (Jan 2023)
- Parkesburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $14,193
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Parkesburg
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Parkesburg.
The average cost of solar panels in Parkesburg is $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Parkesburg, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,674, or $8,639 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Parkesburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,639 |
| 3 years | $-8,570 |
| 5 years | $-6,500 |
| 7 years | $-4,431 |
| 9 years | $-2,362 |
| 11 years | $-292 |
| 13 years | $1,777 |
| 15 years | $3,846 |
| 17 years | $5,916 |
| 19 years | $7,985 |
| 21 years | $10,055 |
| 23 years | $12,124 |
| 25 years | $14,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Parkesburg
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Parkesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Parkesburg
There are several criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Parkesburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Parkesburg homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Parkesburg is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $12,602 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,088 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,717 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,489 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,404 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,461 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,662 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,005 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly 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:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Parkesburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Parkesburg?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
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 places 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Parkesburg?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.