Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgway, PA (2024 Update)
- Ridgway Solar Installation Cost: $17,894
- 25-Year Savings: $15,745
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgway
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ridgway.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ridgway it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ridgway, the average price of going solar will be about $17,894 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ridgway homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ridgway find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ridgway
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,417 |
3 years | $-13,462 |
5 years | $-10,507 |
7 years | $-7,552 |
9 years | $-4,597 |
11 years | $-1,642 |
13 years | $1,313 |
15 years | $4,268 |
17 years | $7,223 |
19 years | $10,178 |
21 years | $13,132 |
23 years | $16,087 |
25 years | $19,042 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgway
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Ridgway, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Ridgway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgway
The cost of installing a solar system in Ridgway can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ridgway, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Ridgway homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ridgway homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Ridgway’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,323 | 16.3 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,494 | 16.0 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,865 | 15.6 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,434 | 15.3 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,203 | 15.0 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,170 | 14.7 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,336 | 14.4 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,700 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Ridgway, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ridgway?
The average cost of solar panels in Ridgway is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ridgway?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ridgway, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ridgway?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger amount 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.