Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windber, PA (2025 Update)
- Windber Solar Installation Cost: $17,040
- 25-Year Savings: $17,557
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windber
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Windber.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Windber it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Windber, the average price of going solar will be about $17,040 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Windber based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Windber can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Windber
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,563 |
| 3 years | $-12,608 |
| 5 years | $-9,653 |
| 7 years | $-6,698 |
| 9 years | $-3,743 |
| 11 years | $-788 |
| 13 years | $2,167 |
| 15 years | $5,122 |
| 17 years | $8,077 |
| 19 years | $11,032 |
| 21 years | $13,987 |
| 23 years | $16,942 |
| 25 years | $19,896 |
Top Solar Installers in Windber
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Windber:
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 Windber
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windber
For many Windber homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Windber, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Windber.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Windber, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Windber is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Windber are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $10,565 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $14,485 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $18,603 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $22,920 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $27,436 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $32,150 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $37,063 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $42,176 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Windber, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Windber?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Windber?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.