Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ambridge, PA (2024 Update)
- Ambridge Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
- 25-Year Savings: $17,246
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ambridge
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Ambridge.
In Ambridge, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Ambridge, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,357, or $24,821 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Ambridge based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ambridge find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer 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 | $-15,720 |
| 3 years | $-12,446 |
| 5 years | $-9,172 |
| 7 years | $-5,899 |
| 9 years | $-2,625 |
| 11 years | $649 |
| 13 years | $3,923 |
| 15 years | $7,197 |
| 17 years | $10,471 |
| 19 years | $13,744 |
| 21 years | $17,018 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $23,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Ambridge
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ambridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ambridge
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ambridge is $17,357, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ambridge average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ambridge to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Ambridge’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,018 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,755 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,691 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,826 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,159 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,692 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,423 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,353 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives 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 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 $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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Ambridge?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ambridge. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ambridge is currently $119,049, which means you could be looking at a value of about $4,881 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ambridge is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.