Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley, PA (2023 Update)
- Valley Solar Installation Cost: $11,669
- 25-Year Savings: $13,809
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Valley.
The average cost of solar panels in Valley is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Valley is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,674 for a solar installation, or $16,694 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Valley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,584 |
| 3 years | $-11,415 |
| 5 years | $-11,245 |
| 7 years | $-11,075 |
| 9 years | $-10,905 |
| 11 years | $-10,735 |
| 13 years | $-10,565 |
| 15 years | $-10,395 |
| 17 years | $-10,226 |
| 19 years | $-10,056 |
| 21 years | $-9,886 |
| 23 years | $-9,716 |
| 25 years | $-9,546 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Valley, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Valley, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Valley are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,245 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,612 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,122 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,775 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,571 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,509 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,590 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,814 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Valley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Valley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Valley. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much 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 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.