Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plains, PA (2023 Update)
- Plains Solar Installation Cost: $12,401
- 25-Year Savings: $8,807
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plains
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Plains.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Plains is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Plains, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,406, or $17,741 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Plains can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Plains, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plains
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,331 |
| 3 years | $-12,189 |
| 5 years | $-12,048 |
| 7 years | $-11,906 |
| 9 years | $-11,765 |
| 11 years | $-11,624 |
| 13 years | $-11,482 |
| 15 years | $-11,341 |
| 17 years | $-11,200 |
| 19 years | $-11,058 |
| 21 years | $-10,917 |
| 23 years | $-10,775 |
| 25 years | $-10,634 |
Top Solar Installers in Plains
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Plains, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Plains
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plains
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Plains: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Plains have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Plains, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Plains are more knowledgeable 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 | $7,177 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,855 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,676 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,640 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,746 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,995 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $25,387 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $28,922 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Plains, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plains?
The average cost of solar panels in Plains is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Plains?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.