Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitfield, PA (2023 Update)
- Whitfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,872
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitfield
We go over average solar pricing in Whitfield.
In Whitfield, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Whitfield is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,870 for a solar installation, or $16,974 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Whitfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,789 |
| 3 years | $-11,623 |
| 5 years | $-11,456 |
| 7 years | $-11,290 |
| 9 years | $-11,123 |
| 11 years | $-10,957 |
| 13 years | $-10,791 |
| 15 years | $-10,624 |
| 17 years | $-10,458 |
| 19 years | $-10,292 |
| 21 years | $-10,125 |
| 23 years | $-9,959 |
| 25 years | $-9,793 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitfield
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
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 in Whitfield:
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 Whitfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Whitfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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 $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Whitfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Whitfield, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Whitfield is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater 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 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 | $11,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,449 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,669 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,031 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,536 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,184 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,974 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,908 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Whitfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Whitfield?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Whitfield?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.