Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plains, PA (2024 Update)

  • Plains Solar Installation Cost: $17,265
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,807
  • Payback Period: 20.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Plains

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Plains.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Plains is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,265 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Plains depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plains find going solar can pay off big.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Plains

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,919
3 years $-13,228
5 years $-10,537
7 years $-7,845
9 years $-5,154
11 years $-2,463
13 years $228
15 years $2,919
17 years $5,611
19 years $8,302
21 years $10,993
23 years $13,684
25 years $16,375

Top Solar Installers in Plains

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Plains

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plains

For many Plains homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plains, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 $3,550.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Plains average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Plains offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Plains is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Plains are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $3.69 $15,506 $2,809 21.2 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $4,143 20.8 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $5,676 20.4 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $7,408 19.9 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $9,338 19.5 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $11,467 19.1 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $13,795 18.7 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $16,322 18.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

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 Plains, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Plains is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 household 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.

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