Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stroud, PA (2024 Update)

  • Stroud Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,172
  • Payback Period: 16.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stroud

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Stroud.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stroud generally cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Stroud, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,902, or $24,170 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Stroud homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stroud

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,659
3 years $-13,173
5 years $-10,687
7 years $-8,201
9 years $-5,715
11 years $-3,229
13 years $-743
15 years $1,743
17 years $4,229
19 years $6,715
21 years $9,201
23 years $11,687
25 years $14,172

Top Solar Installers in Stroud

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Stroud

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stroud

Although the average cost of a solar system in Stroud is $16,902, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,550. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Stroud average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, 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.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Stroud, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Stroud are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $6,506 17.6 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,073 17.3 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $11,838 16.9 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $14,802 16.6 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $17,965 16.3 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $21,327 15.9 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $24,887 15.6 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $28,646 15.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Stroud, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: When reading through 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 like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Stroud, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stroud?

The average cost of solar panels in Stroud is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stroud?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stroud?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.

Follow us