Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smith, PA (2024 Update)
- Smith Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
- 25-Year Savings: $11,324
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smith
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Smith.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Smith typically cost about 4.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Smith, the average price of going solar will be about $17,152 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Smith depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Smith can save about $13,000 on their power 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 Smith
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,832 |
| 3 years | $-13,191 |
| 5 years | $-10,551 |
| 7 years | $-7,910 |
| 9 years | $-5,269 |
| 11 years | $-2,629 |
| 13 years | $12 |
| 15 years | $2,653 |
| 17 years | $5,293 |
| 19 years | $7,934 |
| 21 years | $10,575 |
| 23 years | $13,215 |
| 25 years | $15,856 |
Top Solar Installers in Smith
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Smith, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Smith
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smith
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Smith: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Smith offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Smith homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Smith, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 | $5,047 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,127 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $9,406 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $11,884 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $14,560 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $17,435 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $20,509 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $23,782 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Smith, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smith?
This is a hard 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 above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Smith?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 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 cover 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.