Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Marys, PA (2024 Update)
- St. Marys Solar Installation Cost: $17,894
- 25-Year Savings: $8,190
- Payback Period: 21.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Marys
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in St. Marys.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Marys typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $17,894 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Marys see about $11,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Marys
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,811 |
| 3 years | $-14,646 |
| 5 years | $-12,480 |
| 7 years | $-10,314 |
| 9 years | $-8,148 |
| 11 years | $-5,982 |
| 13 years | $-3,817 |
| 15 years | $-1,651 |
| 17 years | $515 |
| 19 years | $2,681 |
| 21 years | $4,847 |
| 23 years | $7,012 |
| 25 years | $9,178 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Marys
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of 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 St. Marys
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Marys
For many St. Marys homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Marys, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St. Marys average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2,028 | 22.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,101 | 21.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $4,373 | 21.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $5,844 | 20.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $7,514 | 20.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $9,383 | 20.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $11,450 | 19.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $13,717 | 19.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most 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 St. Marys, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Marys?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Marys?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Marys. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Is it worth going solar in St. Marys?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 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 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.