Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zelienople, PA (Mar 2023)
- Zelienople Solar Installation Cost: $12,477
- 25-Year Savings: $15,924
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zelienople
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Zelienople.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zelienople it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,477 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Zelienople based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Zelienople homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Zelienople for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Zelienople
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,341 |
| 3 years | $-9,069 |
| 5 years | $-6,797 |
| 7 years | $-4,525 |
| 9 years | $-2,253 |
| 11 years | $20 |
| 13 years | $2,292 |
| 15 years | $4,564 |
| 17 years | $6,836 |
| 19 years | $9,108 |
| 21 years | $11,380 |
| 23 years | $13,652 |
| 25 years | $15,924 |
Top Solar Installers in Zelienople
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Zelienople
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zelienople
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase 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 expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Zelienople, 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
Most solar installers in Zelienople offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Zelienople is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,254 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,957 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,804 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,793 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,925 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,200 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,617 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,178 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark 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
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 Zelienople, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zelienople?
The average cost of solar panels in Zelienople 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 certain factors 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 thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.