Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portage, PA (2023 Update)
- Portage Solar Installation Cost: $12,505
- 25-Year Savings: $18,145
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portage
We break down average solar pricing in Portage.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Portage is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Portage is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,513 for a solar installation, or $17,894 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Portage based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Portage can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Portage that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,027 |
| 3 years | $-8,072 |
| 5 years | $-5,117 |
| 7 years | $-2,162 |
| 9 years | $792 |
| 11 years | $3,747 |
| 13 years | $6,702 |
| 15 years | $9,657 |
| 17 years | $12,612 |
| 19 years | $15,567 |
| 21 years | $18,522 |
| 23 years | $21,477 |
| 25 years | $24,432 |
Top Solar Installers in Portage
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Portage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Portage offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
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 choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
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.