Solar Panel Cost Guide in Punxsutawney, PA (2024 Update)
- Punxsutawney Solar Installation Cost: $17,677
- 25-Year Savings: $20,020
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Punxsutawney
We break down average solar pricing in Punxsutawney.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Punxsutawney, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $17,677 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 use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Punxsutawney can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Punxsutawney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,200 |
| 3 years | $-13,245 |
| 5 years | $-10,290 |
| 7 years | $-7,335 |
| 9 years | $-4,380 |
| 11 years | $-1,425 |
| 13 years | $1,530 |
| 15 years | $4,485 |
| 17 years | $7,440 |
| 19 years | $10,395 |
| 21 years | $13,350 |
| 23 years | $16,305 |
| 25 years | $19,260 |
Top Solar Installers in Punxsutawney
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Punxsutawney, 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 Punxsutawney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Punxsutawney
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Punxsutawney: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Punxsutawney.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Punxsutawney, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Punxsutawney homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $12,089 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $16,516 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $21,143 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $25,967 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $30,991 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $36,214 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $41,635 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $47,255 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Punxsutawney, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Punxsutawney, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Punxsutawney?
The average cost of solar panels in Punxsutawney 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Punxsutawney, 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 long do solar panels last in Punxsutawney?
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 higher 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.