Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, PA (2024 Update)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $15,189
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fairview.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fairview is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fairview is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,398 for a solar installation, or $23,449 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fairview homeowner. 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.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fairview can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Fairview, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,135 |
| 3 years | $-12,608 |
| 5 years | $-10,081 |
| 7 years | $-7,554 |
| 9 years | $-5,027 |
| 11 years | $-2,500 |
| 13 years | $27 |
| 15 years | $2,554 |
| 17 years | $5,081 |
| 19 years | $7,608 |
| 21 years | $10,135 |
| 23 years | $12,662 |
| 25 years | $15,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
The cost of installing a solar system in Fairview can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Fairview, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fairview offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fairview, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally 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 extra 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 | $7,605 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,537 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,668 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,998 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,527 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,255 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,181 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,307 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Fairview, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairview?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairview is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fairview?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairview?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.