Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Donegal, PA (2024 Update)
- West Donegal Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,009
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Donegal
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in West Donegal.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Donegal, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,331 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Donegal find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Donegal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,037 |
| 3 years | $-12,449 |
| 5 years | $-9,860 |
| 7 years | $-7,271 |
| 9 years | $-4,683 |
| 11 years | $-2,094 |
| 13 years | $494 |
| 15 years | $3,083 |
| 17 years | $5,671 |
| 19 years | $8,260 |
| 21 years | $10,849 |
| 23 years | $13,437 |
| 25 years | $16,026 |
Top Solar Installers in West Donegal
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 West Donegal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Donegal
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in West Donegal: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Donegal, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Donegal, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,080 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,837 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,794 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,949 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,303 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,855 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,607 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,557 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type 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 options before deciding.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 West Donegal, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Donegal?
This is a hard 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Donegal?
A solar panel system isn’t free in West Donegal, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
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 West Donegal is currently $279,037, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,441 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Donegal is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.