Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ambridge, PA (2023 Update)
- Ambridge Solar Installation Cost: $12,459
- 25-Year Savings: $17,255
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ambridge
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Ambridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ambridge it's 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Ambridge, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,459, or $17,816 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ambridge find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ambridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,271 |
| 3 years | $-8,894 |
| 5 years | $-6,516 |
| 7 years | $-4,139 |
| 9 years | $-1,762 |
| 11 years | $615 |
| 13 years | $2,992 |
| 15 years | $5,369 |
| 17 years | $7,746 |
| 19 years | $10,123 |
| 21 years | $12,500 |
| 23 years | $14,878 |
| 25 years | $17,255 |
Top Solar Installers in Ambridge
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Ambridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ambridge
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Ambridge: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 around $2,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ambridge, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $14,386 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,467 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,691 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $30,058 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,567 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $41,220 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $47,015 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $52,953 | 9.4 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. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Ambridge, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ambridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Ambridge is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Ambridge?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.