Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smith, PA (Feb 2023)
- Smith Solar Installation Cost: $12,316
- 25-Year Savings: $11,328
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smith
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Smith.
The average cost of solar panels in Smith is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.9 would cost about $12,316 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Smith can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Smith
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,371 |
| 3 years | $-9,479 |
| 5 years | $-7,588 |
| 7 years | $-5,696 |
| 9 years | $-3,804 |
| 11 years | $-1,913 |
| 13 years | $-21 |
| 15 years | $1,870 |
| 17 years | $3,762 |
| 19 years | $5,654 |
| 21 years | $7,545 |
| 23 years | $9,437 |
| 25 years | $11,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Smith
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Smith
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smith
There are several factors that can determine your total 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
The size of the solar energy 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 around $2,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Smith homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Smith have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $9,415 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $12,839 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $16,406 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $20,116 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $23,968 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $27,963 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $32,101 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $36,382 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Smith, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Smith, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smith?
The average cost of solar panels in Smith is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Smith?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Smith?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy 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.