Solar Panel Cost Guide in McCandless, PA (2024 Update)
- McCandless Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $13,788
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McCandless
We break down average solar pricing in McCandless.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in McCandless it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in McCandless is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,320 for a solar installation, or $24,768 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in McCandless depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average McCandless homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McCandless
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,817 |
| 3 years | $-12,810 |
| 5 years | $-9,804 |
| 7 years | $-6,797 |
| 9 years | $-3,791 |
| 11 years | $-784 |
| 13 years | $2,223 |
| 15 years | $5,229 |
| 17 years | $8,236 |
| 19 years | $11,242 |
| 21 years | $14,249 |
| 23 years | $17,256 |
| 25 years | $20,262 |
Top Solar Installers in McCandless
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in McCandless, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 McCandless
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McCandless
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in McCandless: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in McCandless.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in McCandless, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $7,073 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,828 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,782 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,935 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,286 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,837 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,586 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,534 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings 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 McCandless, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in McCandless?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in McCandless?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in McCandless, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 keep using 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.