Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerset, PA (2023 Update)
- Somerset Solar Installation Cost: $12,240
- 25-Year Savings: $16,537
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerset
We go over average solar pricing in Somerset.
The average cost of solar panels in Somerset is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $12,245 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Somerset can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Somerset for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Somerset
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,763 |
| 3 years | $-7,808 |
| 5 years | $-4,853 |
| 7 years | $-1,898 |
| 9 years | $1,057 |
| 11 years | $4,012 |
| 13 years | $6,967 |
| 15 years | $9,922 |
| 17 years | $12,877 |
| 19 years | $15,832 |
| 21 years | $18,787 |
| 23 years | $21,742 |
| 25 years | $24,697 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerset
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Somerset
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerset
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Somerset: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $2,550. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects 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 just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Somerset homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $14,041 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,006 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,115 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $29,366 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $34,761 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $40,298 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $45,978 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $51,800 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Somerset, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Somerset?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Somerset, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Somerset?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.