Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Vue, PA (2024 Update)

  • Port Vue Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,383
  • Payback Period: 16.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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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 Port Vue

We go over average solar pricing in Port Vue.

In Port Vue, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Port Vue, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,320, or $24,768 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Port Vue homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Port Vue, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Port Vue

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,683
3 years$-12,410
5 years$-9,136
7 years$-5,862
9 years$-2,588
11 years$686
13 years$3,960
15 years$7,233
17 years$10,507
19 years$13,781
21 years$17,055
23 years$20,329
25 years$23,603

Top Solar Installers in Port Vue

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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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 Port Vue

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Vue

Although the average cost of a solar system in Port Vue is $17,320, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Port Vue, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Port Vue, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Port Vue homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Port Vue, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$7,58416.8 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$10,51016.5 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$13,63516.1 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$16,95815.8 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$20,48015.5 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$24,20115.2 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$28,12114.9 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$32,24014.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will affect 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 some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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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 Port Vue, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Port Vue?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Port Vue?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Port Vue, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.