Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunbar, PA (2024 Update)

  • Dunbar Solar Installation Cost: $17,457
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,714
  • Payback Period: 19.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunbar

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dunbar.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dunbar generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Dunbar is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,457 for a solar installation, or $24,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dunbar find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Dunbar for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Dunbar

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,330
3 years $-14,076
5 years $-11,823
7 years $-9,569
9 years $-7,316
11 years $-5,062
13 years $-2,809
15 years $-555
17 years $1,698
19 years $3,952
21 years $6,205
23 years $8,459
25 years $10,712

Top Solar Installers in Dunbar

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Dunbar:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Dunbar

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunbar

There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dunbar, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $3,501 20.4 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $5,065 20.0 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $6,829 19.6 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $8,791 19.2 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $10,952 18.8 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $13,311 18.4 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $15,870 18.0 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $18,627 17.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Dunbar, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dunbar?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Dunbar?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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