Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walker, PA (2024 Update)
- Walker Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $11,863
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walker
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Walker.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Walker generally cost about 4.The average Walker homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,416 with the federal tax credit, or $24,905 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Walker find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Walker for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Walker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,268 |
| 3 years | $-13,970 |
| 5 years | $-11,673 |
| 7 years | $-9,376 |
| 9 years | $-7,079 |
| 11 years | $-4,782 |
| 13 years | $-2,485 |
| 15 years | $-187 |
| 17 years | $2,110 |
| 19 years | $4,407 |
| 21 years | $6,704 |
| 23 years | $9,001 |
| 25 years | $11,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Walker
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Walker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walker
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Walker is $17,416, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Walker, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Walker 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
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Walker, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $5,359 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,543 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,926 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,508 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,288 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,267 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $21,445 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $24,822 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Walker, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Walker, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Walker?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Walker?
Solar panels aren’t free in Walker, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $695.52 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.