Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portage, PA (Mar 2023)
- Portage Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $18,137
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portage
See how much it might cost to go solar in Portage.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Portage typically cost about 2.55. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Portage, the average price of going solar will be about $12,513 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Portage homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Portage, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,287 |
| 3 years | $-8,835 |
| 5 years | $-6,383 |
| 7 years | $-3,931 |
| 9 years | $-1,479 |
| 11 years | $973 |
| 13 years | $3,425 |
| 15 years | $5,877 |
| 17 years | $8,329 |
| 19 years | $10,781 |
| 21 years | $13,233 |
| 23 years | $15,685 |
| 25 years | $18,137 |
Top Solar Installers in Portage
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Portage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage
Though the average cost of a solar system in Portage is $12,513, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Portage. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Portage is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Portage are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $15,112 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $20,435 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $25,901 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $31,509 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $37,261 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $43,155 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $49,192 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $55,372 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Portage, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portage?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of 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.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 buy 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.