Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allegheny, PA (2025 Update)
- Allegheny Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $12,143
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allegheny
We break down average solar pricing in Allegheny.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Allegheny, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Allegheny, the average price of going solar will be about $17,475 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Allegheny depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Allegheny find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allegheny
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,202 |
| 3 years | $-13,657 |
| 5 years | $-11,112 |
| 7 years | $-8,566 |
| 9 years | $-6,021 |
| 11 years | $-3,476 |
| 13 years | $-931 |
| 15 years | $1,615 |
| 17 years | $4,160 |
| 19 years | $6,705 |
| 21 years | $9,250 |
| 23 years | $11,796 |
| 25 years | $14,341 |
Top Solar Installers in Allegheny
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Allegheny
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allegheny
There are many factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Allegheny average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . 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 is within 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 | $5,564 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $7,816 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,267 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $12,917 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $15,766 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $18,814 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $22,060 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $25,505 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
EcoWatch's Allegheny, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Allegheny?
The average cost of solar panels in Allegheny is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Allegheny have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.