Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monongahela, PA (2024 Update)
- Monongahela Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
- 25-Year Savings: $13,058
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monongahela
We go over average solar pricing in Monongahela.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Monongahela it’s 4 per watt.The average Monongahela homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,152 with the federal tax credit, or $24,527 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Monongahela based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Monongahela can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Monongahela
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,515 |
| 3 years | $-12,242 |
| 5 years | $-8,968 |
| 7 years | $-5,694 |
| 9 years | $-2,420 |
| 11 years | $854 |
| 13 years | $4,128 |
| 15 years | $7,401 |
| 17 years | $10,675 |
| 19 years | $13,949 |
| 21 years | $17,223 |
| 23 years | $20,497 |
| 25 years | $23,771 |
Top Solar Installers in Monongahela
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Monongahela, we've 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 Monongahela
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monongahela
The cost of installing a solar system in Monongahela can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need 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.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Monongahela homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Monongahela homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Monongahela, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,554 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,137 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,918 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,898 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,077 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,455 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,031 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,806 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Monongahela, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Monongahela?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Monongahela?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Monongahela. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Does Monongahela have a net metering program?
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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need 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 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 account for 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.