Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clairton, PA (2024 Update)

  • Clairton Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,938
  • Payback Period: 17.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clairton

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Clairton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clairton it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Clairton, 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.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clairton find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Clairton

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 Clairton

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Clairton, therefore optimizing your ROI.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Clairton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clairton

Although the average cost of a solar system in Clairton is $17,320, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many 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

The size of the solar system you need, 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 nearly $3,550. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Clairton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Clairton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger 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 $6,341 17.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $8,852 17.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $11,562 17.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $14,470 16.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $17,578 16.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $20,884 16.0 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $24,389 15.7 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $28,093 15.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Clairton, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clairton?

The average cost of solar panels in Clairton 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 such as 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 keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Clairton?

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?

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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.

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