Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sierra View, PA (2023 Update)

  • Sierra View Solar Installation Cost: $12,141
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,599
  • Payback Period: 12.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Sierra View

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Sierra View.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sierra View it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,138 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sierra View homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Sierra View homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Sierra View, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Sierra View

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,058
3 years $-11,893
5 years $-11,729
7 years $-11,564
9 years $-11,399
11 years $-11,234
13 years $-11,069
15 years $-10,904
17 years $-10,739
19 years $-10,574
21 years $-10,409
23 years $-10,244
25 years $-10,079

Top Solar Installers in Sierra View

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Sierra View, optimizing your ROI.

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

★★★★★
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 Sierra View

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sierra View

While the average cost of a solar system in Sierra View is $12,138, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Sierra View, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Sierra View's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 promotions to compete with those major players.

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

The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

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 Sierra View, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sierra View?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

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

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sierra View is currently $196,486, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,056 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sierra View is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Sierra View?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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