Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smith, PA (2024 Update)
- Smith Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
- 25-Year Savings: $11,324
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smith
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Smith.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Smith, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Smith, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,152, or $24,527 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Smith for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smith
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,832 |
| 3 years | $-13,191 |
| 5 years | $-10,551 |
| 7 years | $-7,910 |
| 9 years | $-5,269 |
| 11 years | $-2,629 |
| 13 years | $12 |
| 15 years | $2,653 |
| 17 years | $5,293 |
| 19 years | $7,934 |
| 21 years | $10,575 |
| 23 years | $13,215 |
| 25 years | $15,856 |
Top Solar Installers in Smith
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Smith, 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Smith
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smith
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Smith.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Smith, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Smith’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $5,047 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,127 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,406 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $11,884 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $14,560 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $17,435 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $20,509 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $23,782 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Smith, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smith?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Smith?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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.