Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sierra View, PA (Mar 2023)
- Sierra View Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,602
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sierra View
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sierra View.
In Sierra View, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Sierra View 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.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Sierra View depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Sierra View, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sierra View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,148 |
| 3 years | $-9,169 |
| 5 years | $-7,190 |
| 7 years | $-5,211 |
| 9 years | $-3,232 |
| 11 years | $-1,253 |
| 13 years | $727 |
| 15 years | $2,706 |
| 17 years | $4,685 |
| 19 years | $6,664 |
| 21 years | $8,643 |
| 23 years | $10,622 |
| 25 years | $12,602 |
Top Solar Installers in Sierra View
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sierra View, we've put together 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 Sierra View
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sierra View
For many Sierra View homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sierra View, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sierra View homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 can only 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Sierra View's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $10,685 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,533 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,523 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,656 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,932 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,350 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,912 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,616 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Sierra View, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sierra View?
The average cost of solar panels in Sierra View 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sierra View?
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 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 going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.