Solar Panel Cost Guide in Slippery Rock, PA (2023 Update)
- Slippery Rock Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $12,456
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Slippery Rock
We go over average solar pricing in Slippery Rock.
In Slippery Rock, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,477 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Slippery Rock homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Slippery Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,480 |
| 3 years | $-9,485 |
| 5 years | $-7,490 |
| 7 years | $-5,496 |
| 9 years | $-3,501 |
| 11 years | $-1,506 |
| 13 years | $488 |
| 15 years | $2,483 |
| 17 years | $4,478 |
| 19 years | $6,472 |
| 21 years | $8,467 |
| 23 years | $10,462 |
| 25 years | $12,456 |
Top Solar Installers in Slippery Rock
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Slippery Rock, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Slippery Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Slippery Rock
Though the average cost of a solar system in Slippery Rock is $12,477, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Slippery Rock, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Slippery Rock to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Slippery Rock's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $10,275 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,986 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,840 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,836 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,975 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,257 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,682 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,249 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Slippery Rock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Slippery Rock, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Slippery Rock?
The average cost of solar panels in Slippery Rock 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.