Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saw Creek, PA (2024 Update)
- Saw Creek Solar Installation Cost: $16,903
- 25-Year Savings: $13,027
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saw Creek
We go over average solar pricing in Saw Creek.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Saw Creek is 4 per watt.The average Saw Creek homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,903 with the federal tax credit, or $24,171 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Saw Creek homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Saw Creek homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Saw Creek, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saw Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,661 |
| 3 years | $-13,175 |
| 5 years | $-10,689 |
| 7 years | $-8,203 |
| 9 years | $-5,717 |
| 11 years | $-3,231 |
| 13 years | $-745 |
| 15 years | $1,741 |
| 17 years | $4,227 |
| 19 years | $6,713 |
| 21 years | $9,199 |
| 23 years | $11,685 |
| 25 years | $14,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Saw Creek
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Saw Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saw Creek
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Saw Creek: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Saw Creek, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
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 Saw Creek, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Saw Creek know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,694 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,323 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,150 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,177 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,402 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,826 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,449 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,270 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Saw Creek, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saw Creek?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Saw Creek?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 decreases 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.