Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, PA (2023 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $12,910
- 25-Year Savings: $17,690
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Warren.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Warren it's 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Warren, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,906, or $18,456 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,432 |
| 3 years | $-8,477 |
| 5 years | $-5,522 |
| 7 years | $-2,567 |
| 9 years | $387 |
| 11 years | $3,342 |
| 13 years | $6,297 |
| 15 years | $9,252 |
| 17 years | $12,207 |
| 19 years | $15,162 |
| 21 years | $18,117 |
| 23 years | $21,072 |
| 25 years | $24,027 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
For many Warren homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Warren, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Warren. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Warren, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Warren, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over 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 what services you can expect from them.
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 Warren, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Warren?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Warren have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.