Is $19,600 to install a solar panel system a fair price?
Project Details
I am considering a solar panel system for my home in SE PA. I will likely not receive the federal tax credit for this installation, and there will be additional costs for roof work to accommodate the panels. I'm concerned about the total cost of $19.6k without the tax incentive and the additional roof expenses. The system is estimated to cover only 30-50% of my energy usage, even with planned insulation and other energy-cutting home projects. I am all-electric and was hoping for a greater offset. I don't plan to sell my home and am excited about home projects. Ground mounts are not feasible. I previously received three quotes through Energy Sage from national companies, but they provided generic roof plans that didn't account for my specific roof and had highly inflated output predictions. Another local quote only offered a PPA price and the company flaked on the consultation. This current quote is from a reputable local installer, highly recommended by locals, and I was willing to pay a little more for good quality. However, they are booked until early spring 2026 for installation.
Quote Details
This quote is for the installation of a solar panel system. The system includes: - Estimated Solar Energy Production: 6,692 kWh annually - Estimated Utility Savings: $1,342 annually - Estimated Energy Usage: 17,627 kWh - Estimated Energy Offset: 38% - Panels: Silfab Prime NTC (or equivalent) - Panel Product Warranty: 25 Years - Panel Performance Warranty: 30 Years - Panel Wattage: 440 Watts per Panel - Panel Quantity: 13 Panels (note: may be 11 panels if 13 do not fit) - System Size: 5.72 kW - Inverter: Enphase iQ8 Microinverters - Inverter Warranty: 25 Year Microinverter Warranty Additional roof work may be required to accommodate the panels.
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More Details
Category
Solar
Price
$19,600
Quote Date
September 6, 2025
Location
Pennsylvania
Battery Storage?
No
# of Panels
13
System Size (kW)
5.72
Warranty (yrs)
25
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