Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scottdale, PA (2023 Update)
- Scottdale Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $8,495
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scottdale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Scottdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Scottdale is 2.55 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Scottdale, the average price of going solar will be about $12,549 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Scottdale homeowner can save about $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
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 Scottdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,707 |
| 3 years | $-10,023 |
| 5 years | $-8,340 |
| 7 years | $-6,656 |
| 9 years | $-4,973 |
| 11 years | $-3,289 |
| 13 years | $-1,606 |
| 15 years | $78 |
| 17 years | $1,761 |
| 19 years | $3,445 |
| 21 years | $5,128 |
| 23 years | $6,812 |
| 25 years | $8,495 |
Top Solar Installers in Scottdale
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Scottdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scottdale
The cost of installing a solar system in Scottdale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Scottdale, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Scottdale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Scottdale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Scottdale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Scottdale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $6,817 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,375 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,075 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $14,919 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $17,905 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,034 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,306 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,720 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company 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
EcoWatch's Scottdale, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scottdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Scottdale is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Scottdale?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Scottdale?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.