Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sierra View, PA (2024 Update)
- Sierra View Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,599
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sierra View
We go over average solar pricing in Sierra View.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Sierra View is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $16,902 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Sierra View based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sierra View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,608 |
| 3 years | $-13,019 |
| 5 years | $-10,431 |
| 7 years | $-7,842 |
| 9 years | $-5,253 |
| 11 years | $-2,665 |
| 13 years | $-76 |
| 15 years | $2,512 |
| 17 years | $5,101 |
| 19 years | $7,689 |
| 21 years | $10,278 |
| 23 years | $12,867 |
| 25 years | $15,455 |
Top Solar Installers in Sierra View
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Sierra View:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sierra View, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sierra View, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Sierra View, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,317 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,821 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,523 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,424 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,524 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,822 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,320 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,016 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sierra View?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sierra View?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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 Sierra View?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.