Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerset, PA (2024 Update)
- Somerset Solar Installation Cost: $17,040
- 25-Year Savings: $16,537
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerset
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Somerset.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Somerset generally cost about 4.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Somerset, the average price of going solar will be about $17,040 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Somerset homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Somerset for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Somerset
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,563 |
3 years | $-12,608 |
5 years | $-9,653 |
7 years | $-6,698 |
9 years | $-3,743 |
11 years | $-788 |
13 years | $2,167 |
15 years | $5,122 |
17 years | $8,077 |
19 years | $11,032 |
21 years | $13,987 |
23 years | $16,942 |
25 years | $19,896 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerset
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Somerset
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerset
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Somerset: 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Somerset.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Somerset average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Somerset homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Somerset is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 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 | $9,673 | 15.4 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,294 | 15.1 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,115 | 14.8 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,134 | 14.5 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,353 | 14.2 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $29,770 | 13.9 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $34,386 | 13.6 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,200 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Somerset, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Somerset, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Somerset?
This is a difficult 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Somerset?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Somerset. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Somerset is currently $200,991, which means you can expect a value of about $8,241 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Somerset is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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.