Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windber, PA (2024 Update)

  • Windber Solar Installation Cost: $17,040
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,557
  • Payback Period: 14.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windber

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Windber.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Windber typically cost around 4.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Windber, the average price of going solar will be about $17,040 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Windber, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Windber

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,563
3 years $-12,608
5 years $-9,653
7 years $-6,698
9 years $-3,743
11 years $-788
13 years $2,167
15 years $5,122
17 years $8,077
19 years $11,032
21 years $13,987
23 years $16,942
25 years $19,896

Top Solar Installers in Windber

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Windber

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windber

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Windber: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Windber.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Windber, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Windber homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Windber is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 $10,565 14.9 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $14,485 14.6 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $18,603 14.3 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $22,920 14.0 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $27,436 13.7 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $32,150 13.4 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $37,063 13.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $42,176 12.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Windber, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Windber?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Windber is currently $114,363, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,689 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Windber is a fruitful investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.

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