Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, PA (Mar 2023)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $12,906
- 25-Year Savings: $17,694
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Warren.
The average cost of a solar system in Warren is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $12,906 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Warren can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,682 |
| 3 years | $-9,234 |
| 5 years | $-6,786 |
| 7 years | $-4,338 |
| 9 years | $-1,890 |
| 11 years | $558 |
| 13 years | $3,006 |
| 15 years | $5,454 |
| 17 years | $7,902 |
| 19 years | $10,350 |
| 21 years | $12,798 |
| 23 years | $15,246 |
| 25 years | $17,694 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Warren, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
There are many factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use 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 brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Warren offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Warren is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,247 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,281 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,459 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $29,779 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,242 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $40,847 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $46,596 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $52,487 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Warren, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Warren?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Warren?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Warren?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.