Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Donegal, PA (Mar 2023)
- West Donegal Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $13,012
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Donegal
We break down average solar pricing in West Donegal.
In West Donegal, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average West Donegal homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,727 with the federal tax credit, or $16,770 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Donegal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,738 |
| 3 years | $-8,759 |
| 5 years | $-6,780 |
| 7 years | $-4,800 |
| 9 years | $-2,821 |
| 11 years | $-842 |
| 13 years | $1,137 |
| 15 years | $3,116 |
| 17 years | $5,095 |
| 19 years | $7,075 |
| 21 years | $9,054 |
| 23 years | $11,033 |
| 25 years | $13,012 |
Top Solar Installers in West Donegal
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 West Donegal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Donegal
There are a number of 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Donegal average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many West Donegal homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Donegal homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Donegal, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in West Donegal have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,448 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,549 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,794 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,181 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,711 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,383 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,199 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,157 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 big role in the company you opt for.
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 West Donegal, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Donegal?
The average cost of solar panels in West Donegal is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in West Donegal?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Donegal. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in West Donegal?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.