Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, PA (2024 Update)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
- 25-Year Savings: $17,246
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Center.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Center generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Center homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Center for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,720 |
| 3 years | $-12,446 |
| 5 years | $-9,172 |
| 7 years | $-5,899 |
| 9 years | $-2,625 |
| 11 years | $649 |
| 13 years | $3,923 |
| 15 years | $7,197 |
| 17 years | $10,471 |
| 19 years | $13,744 |
| 21 years | $17,018 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $23,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
Do-it-yourself 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. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Center, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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 in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,018 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,755 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,691 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,826 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,159 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,692 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,423 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,353 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Center, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Center is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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.
Is it worth going solar in Center?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.