Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shenango, PA (2023 Update)

  • Shenango Solar Installation Cost: $12,495
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,132
  • Payback Period: 12.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Shenango

We break down average solar pricing in Shenango.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shenango generally cost about 2.55. The average Shenango homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,495 with the federal tax credit, or $17,868 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shenango find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Shenango, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Shenango

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,510
3 years $-9,540
5 years $-7,570
7 years $-5,600
9 years $-3,629
11 years $-1,659
13 years $311
15 years $2,281
17 years $4,251
19 years $6,221
21 years $8,191
23 years $10,162
25 years $12,132

Top Solar Installers in Shenango

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Shenango, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Shenango

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shenango

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Shenango: 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

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Shenango, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Shenango have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 $2.65 $11,138 $9,983 13.2 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $13,596 12.9 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $17,352 12.7 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $21,251 12.4 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $25,293 12.2 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $29,477 11.9 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $33,805 11.7 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $38,275 11.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Shenango, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Shenango, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shenango?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Shenango have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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