Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley, PA (Mar 2023)
- Valley Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $13,804
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Valley.
In Valley, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. 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.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Valley see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,655 |
| 3 years | $-8,617 |
| 5 years | $-6,578 |
| 7 years | $-4,540 |
| 9 years | $-2,502 |
| 11 years | $-463 |
| 13 years | $1,575 |
| 15 years | $3,613 |
| 17 years | $5,651 |
| 19 years | $7,690 |
| 21 years | $9,728 |
| 23 years | $11,766 |
| 25 years | $13,804 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley
For many Valley homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Valley, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Valley, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Valley provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Valley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Valley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Valley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Valley is currently $246,000, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,086 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Valley is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.