Solar Panel Cost Guide in Latrobe, PA (2024 Update)
- Latrobe Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $8,492
- Payback Period: 20.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Latrobe
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Latrobe.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Latrobe, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Latrobe is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,475 for a solar installation, or $24,989 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Latrobe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,392 |
| 3 years | $-14,226 |
| 5 years | $-12,060 |
| 7 years | $-9,894 |
| 9 years | $-7,729 |
| 11 years | $-5,563 |
| 13 years | $-3,397 |
| 15 years | $-1,231 |
| 17 years | $935 |
| 19 years | $3,101 |
| 21 years | $5,266 |
| 23 years | $7,432 |
| 25 years | $9,598 |
Top Solar Installers in Latrobe
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar 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 Latrobe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Latrobe
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Latrobe is $17,475, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Latrobe, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Latrobe’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with 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 | $2,449 | 21.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,663 | 21.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,075 | 20.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $6,687 | 20.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $8,497 | 19.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $10,506 | 19.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $12,714 | 19.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $15,120 | 18.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Latrobe, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Latrobe?
The average cost of solar panels in Latrobe is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Are solar panels free in Latrobe?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Latrobe. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Latrobe?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.