Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zelienople, PA (2024 Update)
- Zelienople Solar Installation Cost: $17,361
- 25-Year Savings: $15,931
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zelienople
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Zelienople.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zelienople it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Zelienople, the average price of going solar will be about $17,361 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Zelienople can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zelienople
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,724 |
| 3 years | $-12,450 |
| 5 years | $-9,176 |
| 7 years | $-5,902 |
| 9 years | $-2,628 |
| 11 years | $645 |
| 13 years | $3,919 |
| 15 years | $7,193 |
| 17 years | $10,467 |
| 19 years | $13,741 |
| 21 years | $17,015 |
| 23 years | $20,289 |
| 25 years | $23,562 |
Top Solar Installers in Zelienople
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Zelienople
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zelienople
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better 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 limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Zelienople homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Zelienople homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Zelienople, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Zelienople have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,886 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,245 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,804 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,561 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,517 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,672 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,025 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,578 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Zelienople, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zelienople?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key 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 think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Zelienople have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.