Solar Panel Cost Guide in Donora, PA (2024 Update)
- Donora Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
- 25-Year Savings: $8,723
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Donora
We go over average solar pricing in Donora.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Donora it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Donora, the average price of going solar will be about $17,152 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Donora based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Donora see about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Donora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,069 |
| 3 years | $-13,904 |
| 5 years | $-11,738 |
| 7 years | $-9,572 |
| 9 years | $-7,406 |
| 11 years | $-5,240 |
| 13 years | $-3,075 |
| 15 years | $-909 |
| 17 years | $1,257 |
| 19 years | $3,423 |
| 21 years | $5,589 |
| 23 years | $7,754 |
| 25 years | $9,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Donora
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Donora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Donora
While the average cost of a solar system in Donora is $17,152, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,550. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Donora provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Donora, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2,786 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,112 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,638 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,362 | 20.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,284 | 19.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,406 | 19.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,726 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,245 | 18.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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 Donora, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Donora?
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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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 solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $609.75 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.