Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centre, PA (2024 Update)
- Centre Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,296
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centre
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Centre.
In Centre, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Centre is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,528 for a solar installation, or $23,635 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Centre based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Centre can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Centre
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Centre:
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 Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centre
The cost of installing a solar system in Centre 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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back 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 adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,198 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,995 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,991 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,186 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,579 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,171 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,962 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,952 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Centre, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centre?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Centre?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Centre have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.