Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodward, PA (Mar 2023)
- Woodward Solar Installation Cost: $12,602
- 25-Year Savings: $20,274
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodward
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Woodward.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Woodward it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Woodward is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,602 for a solar installation, or $18,021 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Woodward depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Woodward, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,287 |
| 3 years | $-8,657 |
| 5 years | $-6,027 |
| 7 years | $-3,397 |
| 9 years | $-767 |
| 11 years | $1,864 |
| 13 years | $4,494 |
| 15 years | $7,124 |
| 17 years | $9,754 |
| 19 years | $12,384 |
| 21 years | $15,014 |
| 23 years | $17,644 |
| 25 years | $20,274 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodward
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Woodward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodward
The cost of installing a solar system in Woodward can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Woodward, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Woodward, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Woodward, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,804 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $22,690 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $28,720 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $34,892 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $41,207 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $47,665 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $54,266 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $61,010 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Woodward, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Woodward?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodward 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Woodward?
You can't get solar panels for free in Woodward. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Woodward is currently $86,170, so you could be looking at a value of about $3,533 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Woodward is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.