Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allegheny, PA (2024 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Allegheny it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Allegheny homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Allegheny find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Allegheny for a custom estimate.
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
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Allegheny:
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 Allegheny
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allegheny
The cost of installing a solar system in Allegheny can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, 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 influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Allegheny, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Allegheny’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 many companies to choose from in Allegheny, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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 panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Allegheny, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from 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 Allegheny have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Allegheny?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.
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.