Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colerain, PA (2024 Update)
- Colerain Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,514
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colerain
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Colerain.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Colerain, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Colerain, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,331, or $23,353 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Colerain based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Colerain can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Colerain
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-14,986 |
3 years | $-12,295 |
5 years | $-9,604 |
7 years | $-6,912 |
9 years | $-4,221 |
11 years | $-1,530 |
13 years | $1,161 |
15 years | $3,852 |
17 years | $6,544 |
19 years | $9,235 |
21 years | $11,926 |
23 years | $14,617 |
25 years | $17,308 |
Top Solar Installers in Colerain
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Colerain, we've organized 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 Colerain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colerain
Though the average cost of a solar system in Colerain is $16,331, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Colerain, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Colerain, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Colerain is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,541 | 16.8 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,452 | 16.5 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,562 | 16.2 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,871 | 15.8 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,378 | 15.5 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,085 | 15.2 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,990 | 14.9 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,094 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Colerain, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colerain?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Colerain?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.