Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rice, PA (2024 Update)
- Rice Solar Installation Cost: $17,265
- 25-Year Savings: $8,807
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rice
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rice.
The average cost of a solar system in Rice is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rice is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,265 for a solar installation, or $24,689 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rice find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rice
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,919 |
| 3 years | $-13,228 |
| 5 years | $-10,537 |
| 7 years | $-7,845 |
| 9 years | $-5,154 |
| 11 years | $-2,463 |
| 13 years | $228 |
| 15 years | $2,919 |
| 17 years | $5,611 |
| 19 years | $8,302 |
| 21 years | $10,993 |
| 23 years | $13,684 |
| 25 years | $16,375 |
Top Solar Installers in Rice
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Rice
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rice
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Rice: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Rice.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Rice offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Rice, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 vehicle 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 | $2,809 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,143 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,676 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,408 | 19.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,338 | 19.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,467 | 19.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,795 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,322 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Rice, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rice?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Rice have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.