Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cornwall, PA (2024 Update)
- Cornwall Solar Installation Cost: $16,524
- 25-Year Savings: $13,213
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cornwall
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Cornwall.
The average cost of solar panels in Cornwall is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Cornwall, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,524, or $23,629 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cornwall homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Cornwall homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cornwall
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,281 |
| 3 years | $-12,795 |
| 5 years | $-10,309 |
| 7 years | $-7,823 |
| 9 years | $-5,337 |
| 11 years | $-2,851 |
| 13 years | $-365 |
| 15 years | $2,121 |
| 17 years | $4,607 |
| 19 years | $7,093 |
| 21 years | $9,579 |
| 23 years | $12,065 |
| 25 years | $14,551 |
Top Solar Installers in Cornwall
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Cornwall
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cornwall
The cost of installing a solar system in Cornwall can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cornwall homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cornwall homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Cornwall 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 | $7,126 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,899 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,871 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,042 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,411 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,979 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,746 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,712 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Cornwall, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cornwall?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cornwall?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cornwall. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cornwall, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Cornwall?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.