Solar Panel Cost Guide in State College, PA (2025 Update)
- State College Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $11,877
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in State College
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in State College.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in State College typically cost around 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in State College, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,416, or $24,905 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of State College homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in State College can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in State College
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,254 |
| 3 years | $-13,931 |
| 5 years | $-11,607 |
| 7 years | $-9,283 |
| 9 years | $-6,960 |
| 11 years | $-4,636 |
| 13 years | $-2,312 |
| 15 years | $11 |
| 17 years | $2,335 |
| 19 years | $4,658 |
| 21 years | $6,982 |
| 23 years | $9,306 |
| 25 years | $11,629 |
Top Solar Installers in State College
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in State College
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in State College
For many State College homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in State College, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in State College.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the State College average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in State College, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $5,371 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,559 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,946 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,531 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,316 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,299 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,481 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $24,861 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's State College, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in State College?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in State College?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in State College is currently $380,550, so you can expect a value of about $15,603 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in State College is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.