Solar Panel Cost Guide in Canonsburg, PA (Mar 2023)
- Canonsburg Solar Installation Cost: $12,316
- 25-Year Savings: $8,727
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Canonsburg
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Canonsburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Canonsburg typically cost about 2.55. Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Canonsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $12,316 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Canonsburg based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Canonsburg can save about $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Canonsburg for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Canonsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,475 |
| 3 years | $-9,791 |
| 5 years | $-8,108 |
| 7 years | $-6,424 |
| 9 years | $-4,741 |
| 11 years | $-3,057 |
| 13 years | $-1,374 |
| 15 years | $310 |
| 17 years | $1,993 |
| 19 years | $3,677 |
| 21 years | $5,360 |
| 23 years | $7,044 |
| 25 years | $8,727 |
Top Solar Installers in Canonsburg
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Canonsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Canonsburg
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Canonsburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Canonsburg, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Canonsburg, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Canonsburg homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Canonsburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $7,154 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,824 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,638 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,594 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,692 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,934 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $25,318 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $28,845 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Canonsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Canonsburg?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Canonsburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Canonsburg. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Canonsburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.