Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windber, PA (Mar 2023)
- Windber Solar Installation Cost: $12,245
- 25-Year Savings: $17,552
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windber
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Windber.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Windber is 2.55 per watt. The average Windber homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,245 with the federal tax credit, or $17,510 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Windber homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Windber can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Windber that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Windber
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-8,669 |
| 5 years | $-6,286 |
| 7 years | $-3,902 |
| 9 years | $-1,518 |
| 11 years | $866 |
| 13 years | $3,249 |
| 15 years | $5,633 |
| 17 years | $8,017 |
| 19 years | $10,401 |
| 21 years | $12,784 |
| 23 years | $15,168 |
| 25 years | $17,552 |
Top Solar Installers in Windber
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Windber
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windber
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Windber is $12,245, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation 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 $2,550. 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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Windber average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
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 panel companies in Windber, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Windber know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $14,933 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $20,197 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $25,603 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $31,152 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $36,844 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $42,678 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $48,655 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $54,776 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Windber, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windber?
The average cost of solar panels in Windber is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.