Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saw Creek, PA (Mar 2023)
- Saw Creek Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $13,030
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saw Creek
We break down average solar pricing in Saw Creek.
The average cost of a solar system in Saw Creek is 2.55 per watt. The average Saw Creek homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,138 with the federal tax credit, or $17,357 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Saw Creek depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Saw Creek see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saw Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,131 |
| 3 years | $-9,118 |
| 5 years | $-7,104 |
| 7 years | $-5,091 |
| 9 years | $-3,077 |
| 11 years | $-1,064 |
| 13 years | $950 |
| 15 years | $2,963 |
| 17 years | $4,977 |
| 19 years | $6,990 |
| 21 years | $9,004 |
| 23 years | $11,017 |
| 25 years | $13,030 |
Top Solar Installers in Saw Creek
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
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 Saw Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saw Creek
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Saw Creek is $12,138, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Saw Creek average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Saw Creek is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $11,062 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,035 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,150 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,409 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,810 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,354 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,041 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,870 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect 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 a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Saw Creek, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saw Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Saw Creek is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Saw Creek?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.