Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Kensington, PA (2024 Update)
- New Kensington Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $12,827
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Kensington
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in New Kensington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in New Kensington, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average New Kensington homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,475 with the federal tax credit, or $24,989 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in New Kensington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in New Kensington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,115 |
| 3 years | $-13,395 |
| 5 years | $-10,675 |
| 7 years | $-7,955 |
| 9 years | $-5,236 |
| 11 years | $-2,516 |
| 13 years | $204 |
| 15 years | $2,924 |
| 17 years | $5,644 |
| 19 years | $8,364 |
| 21 years | $11,083 |
| 23 years | $13,803 |
| 25 years | $16,523 |
Top Solar Installers in New Kensington
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in New Kensington, we've put together 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 New Kensington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Kensington
The cost of installing a solar system in New Kensington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in New Kensington, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in New Kensington to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. New Kensington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $6,148 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,594 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,240 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,084 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,128 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,369 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,810 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- 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.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 New Kensington, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Kensington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in New Kensington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is it worth going solar in New Kensington?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in New Kensington?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.