Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erie, PA (2024 Update)
- Erie Solar Installation Cost: $17,209
- 25-Year Savings: $18,348
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erie
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Erie.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Erie typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Erie, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,209, or $24,609 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Erie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,732 |
| 3 years | $-12,777 |
| 5 years | $-9,822 |
| 7 years | $-6,867 |
| 9 years | $-3,912 |
| 11 years | $-957 |
| 13 years | $1,998 |
| 15 years | $4,953 |
| 17 years | $7,908 |
| 19 years | $10,863 |
| 21 years | $13,818 |
| 23 years | $16,772 |
| 25 years | $19,727 |
Top Solar Installers in Erie
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Erie, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Erie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erie
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Erie is $17,209, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 Erie have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,100 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,197 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $19,493 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $23,988 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $28,682 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $33,575 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $38,666 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $43,957 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Erie, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Erie?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $886.87 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Erie?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.