Solar Panel Cost Guide in Peters, PA (2023 Update)

  • Peters Solar Installation Cost: $12,316
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,204
  • Payback Period: 13.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Peters

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Peters.

The average cost of a solar system in Peters is 2.55 per watt. The average Peters homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,316 with the federal tax credit, or $17,612 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Peters find going solar has a decent ROI.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Peters, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Peters

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,376
3 years $-9,494
5 years $-7,612
7 years $-5,731
9 years $-3,849
11 years $-1,967
13 years $-86
15 years $1,796
17 years $3,678
19 years $5,559
21 years $7,441
23 years $9,323
25 years $11,204

Top Solar Installers in Peters

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Peters

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Peters

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Peters: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Peters, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Peters homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Peters have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $9,307 13.6 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $12,696 13.4 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $16,226 13.1 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $19,900 12.8 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $23,717 12.6 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $27,676 12.3 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $31,778 12.0 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $36,023 11.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Peters, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Peters, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Peters?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Peters?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Peters?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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