Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clearfield, PA (2024 Update)
- Clearfield Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $15,998
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clearfield
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Clearfield.
In Clearfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $17,543 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clearfield find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clearfield
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,066 |
3 years | $-13,111 |
5 years | $-10,156 |
7 years | $-7,201 |
9 years | $-4,246 |
11 years | $-1,291 |
13 years | $1,664 |
15 years | $4,619 |
17 years | $7,574 |
19 years | $10,529 |
21 years | $13,484 |
23 years | $16,439 |
25 years | $19,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Clearfield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Clearfield, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Clearfield, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clearfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearfield
For many Clearfield homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clearfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Clearfield, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clearfield to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Clearfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,800 | 15.9 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,131 | 15.6 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,661 | 15.3 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,389 | 15.0 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,316 | 14.7 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,442 | 14.4 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,767 | 14.1 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,291 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Clearfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clearfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Clearfield is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clearfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
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 Clearfield is currently $125,374, which means you can expect a value of about $5,140 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clearfield is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Clearfield?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.