Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Marys, PA (2025 Update)
- St. Marys Solar Installation Cost: $17,894
- 25-Year Savings: $8,190
- Payback Period: 21.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Marys
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in St. Marys.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Marys it’s 4 per watt.The average St. Marys homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,894 with the federal tax credit, or $25,588 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St. Marys homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Marys
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,811 |
| 3 years | $-14,646 |
| 5 years | $-12,480 |
| 7 years | $-10,314 |
| 9 years | $-8,148 |
| 11 years | $-5,982 |
| 13 years | $-3,817 |
| 15 years | $-1,651 |
| 17 years | $515 |
| 19 years | $2,681 |
| 21 years | $4,847 |
| 23 years | $7,012 |
| 25 years | $9,178 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Marys
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in St. Marys
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Marys
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in St. Marys: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many St. Marys homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for St. Marys homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in St. Marys, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $2,028 | 22.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,101 | 21.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $4,373 | 21.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $5,844 | 20.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $7,514 | 20.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $9,383 | 20.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $11,450 | 19.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $13,717 | 19.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect 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 some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's St. Marys, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Marys?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Marys?
Solar panels aren’t free in St. Marys, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in St. Marys?
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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.