Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, PA (2024 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $17,972
- 25-Year Savings: $17,690
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Warren.
In Warren, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs 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 $17,972, or $25,700 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Warren depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Warren can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,495 |
| 3 years | $-13,540 |
| 5 years | $-10,585 |
| 7 years | $-7,630 |
| 9 years | $-4,675 |
| 11 years | $-1,720 |
| 13 years | $1,235 |
| 15 years | $4,190 |
| 17 years | $7,145 |
| 19 years | $10,100 |
| 21 years | $13,054 |
| 23 years | $16,009 |
| 25 years | $18,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working 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.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Warren:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Warren: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Warren, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Warren provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Warren’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 offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $9,879 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,569 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,459 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,547 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,834 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,319 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,004 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,887 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Warren?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Warren is currently $140,299, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,752 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Warren is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Warren?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.