Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stowe, PA (2024 Update)
- Stowe Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $17,273
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stowe
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Stowe.
The average cost of a solar system in Stowe is 4 per watt.The average Stowe homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,320 with the federal tax credit, or $24,768 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stowe find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Stowe that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Stowe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-12,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,136 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,588 |
| 11 years | $686 |
| 13 years | $3,960 |
| 15 years | $7,233 |
| 17 years | $10,507 |
| 19 years | $13,781 |
| 21 years | $17,055 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Stowe
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Stowe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stowe
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Stowe: 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Stowe, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Stowe provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $10,072 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,827 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,781 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,934 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,285 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,836 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,585 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,532 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Stowe, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stowe?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Stowe?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Stowe. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Stowe?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.