Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summit, PA (2024 Update)
- Summit Solar Installation Cost: $17,209
- 25-Year Savings: $18,979
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summit
We go over average solar pricing in Summit.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Summit, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Summit, the average price of going solar will be about $17,209 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Summit find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summit
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,732 |
| 3 years | $-12,777 |
| 5 years | $-9,822 |
| 7 years | $-6,867 |
| 9 years | $-3,912 |
| 11 years | $-957 |
| 13 years | $1,998 |
| 15 years | $4,953 |
| 17 years | $7,908 |
| 19 years | $10,863 |
| 21 years | $13,818 |
| 23 years | $16,772 |
| 25 years | $19,727 |
Top Solar Installers in Summit
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Summit, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Summit
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summit
Although the average cost of a solar system in Summit is $17,209, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Summit average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Summit, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Summit, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 | $11,647 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,927 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $20,406 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $25,083 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $29,959 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $35,035 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $40,309 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $45,781 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Summit, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summit?
The average cost of solar panels in Summit is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Summit?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Summit. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Summit have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the average daily 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 install 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.