Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carnegie, PA (2024 Update)
- Carnegie Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $17,273
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carnegie
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Carnegie.
In Carnegie, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Carnegie, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,320, or $24,768 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Carnegie homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Carnegie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-12,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,136 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,588 |
| 11 years | $686 |
| 13 years | $3,960 |
| 15 years | $7,233 |
| 17 years | $10,507 |
| 19 years | $13,781 |
| 21 years | $17,055 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Carnegie
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Carnegie, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Carnegie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carnegie
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Carnegie is $17,320, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Carnegie, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,072 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,827 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,781 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,934 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,285 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,836 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,585 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,532 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Carnegie, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carnegie?
The average cost of solar panels in Carnegie 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Carnegie?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 how much 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.