Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tarentum, PA (2024 Update)
- Tarentum Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $14,680
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tarentum
We break down average solar pricing in Tarentum.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Tarentum is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Tarentum is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,320 for a solar installation, or $24,768 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tarentum find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Tarentum
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 Tarentum
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Tarentum, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Tarentum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tarentum
The cost of installing a solar system in Tarentum can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tarentum, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Tarentum offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Tarentum’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,841 | 16.6 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,852 | 16.3 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,062 | 16.0 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,471 | 15.6 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,079 | 15.3 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,885 | 15.0 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,890 | 14.7 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,094 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Tarentum, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Tarentum, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tarentum?
The average cost of solar panels in Tarentum is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type 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 Tarentum?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Tarentum, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.