Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summit, PA (2023 Update)
- Summit Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $18,971
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summit
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Summit.
In Summit, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Summit, the average price of going solar will be about $12,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Summit depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Summit can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Summit, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summit
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,116 |
| 3 years | $-8,609 |
| 5 years | $-6,102 |
| 7 years | $-3,595 |
| 9 years | $-1,087 |
| 11 years | $1,420 |
| 13 years | $3,927 |
| 15 years | $6,435 |
| 17 years | $8,942 |
| 19 years | $11,449 |
| 21 years | $13,956 |
| 23 years | $16,464 |
| 25 years | $18,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Summit
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Summit
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summit
For many Summit homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Summit, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 about $2,550. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Summit to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Summit, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,015 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,639 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,406 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,315 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,367 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $45,563 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $51,901 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $58,381 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Summit, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Summit?
The average cost of solar panels in Summit is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Summit?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.