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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Ridgway

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ridgway.

In Ridgway, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $17,894 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ridgway homeowner. The price 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, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Ridgway for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Ridgway

YearReturn 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

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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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 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 most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ridgway average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Ridgway provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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$8,32316.3 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$11,49416.0 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$14,86515.6 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$18,43415.3 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$22,20315.0 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$26,17014.7 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$30,33614.4 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$34,70014.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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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 Ridgway, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ridgway?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Ridgway?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Ridgway. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Ridgway have a net metering program?

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 offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.