Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ross, PA (Mar 2023)
- Ross Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $16,589
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ross
We break down average solar pricing in Ross.
In Ross, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Ross is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,441 for a solar installation, or $17,791 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ross find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ross
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,280 |
| 3 years | $-8,958 |
| 5 years | $-6,635 |
| 7 years | $-4,313 |
| 9 years | $-1,991 |
| 11 years | $332 |
| 13 years | $2,654 |
| 15 years | $4,977 |
| 17 years | $7,299 |
| 19 years | $9,622 |
| 21 years | $11,944 |
| 23 years | $14,266 |
| 25 years | $16,589 |
Top Solar Installers in Ross
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Ross, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ross
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ross
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ross: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Ross, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ross, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $13,852 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,754 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,800 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,988 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $34,320 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $39,794 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $45,411 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $51,170 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Ross, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ross?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ross?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford 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 property 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.