Solar Panel Cost Guide in DuBois, PA (2024 Update)
- DuBois Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $15,998
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in DuBois
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in DuBois.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in DuBois, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average DuBois homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,543 with the federal tax credit, or $25,086 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in DuBois can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in DuBois for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in DuBois
| 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 DuBois
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 DuBois
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DuBois
The cost of installing a solar system in DuBois can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many DuBois homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout DuBois, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 DuBois, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in DuBois?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in DuBois?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in DuBois?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.