Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley, PA (2024 Update)
- Valley Solar Installation Cost: $16,246
- 25-Year Savings: $13,809
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Valley it’s 4 per watt.The average Valley homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,246 with the federal tax credit, or $23,232 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Valley homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Valley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,900 |
| 3 years | $-12,209 |
| 5 years | $-9,518 |
| 7 years | $-6,827 |
| 9 years | $-4,135 |
| 11 years | $-1,444 |
| 13 years | $1,247 |
| 15 years | $3,938 |
| 17 years | $6,629 |
| 19 years | $9,321 |
| 21 years | $12,012 |
| 23 years | $14,703 |
| 25 years | $17,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Valley:
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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley
The cost of installing a solar system in Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Valley offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Valley 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
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $7,877 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,900 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,122 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,543 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,163 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,981 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,998 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,214 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
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 Valley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Valley have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.