Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fox Chapel, PA (Mar 2023)
- Fox Chapel Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $14,383
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fox Chapel
We break down average solar pricing in Fox Chapel.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fox Chapel, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fox Chapel is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,441 for a solar installation, or $17,791 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fox Chapel homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fox Chapel find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fox Chapel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,368 |
| 3 years | $-9,223 |
| 5 years | $-7,077 |
| 7 years | $-4,931 |
| 9 years | $-2,785 |
| 11 years | $-639 |
| 13 years | $1,507 |
| 15 years | $3,653 |
| 17 years | $5,799 |
| 19 years | $7,945 |
| 21 years | $10,091 |
| 23 years | $12,237 |
| 25 years | $14,383 |
Top Solar Installers in Fox Chapel
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Fox Chapel, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fox Chapel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fox Chapel
The cost of installing a solar system in Fox Chapel can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Fox Chapel. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fox Chapel, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,952 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,222 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,635 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,190 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,888 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,729 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,713 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,840 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Fox Chapel, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fox Chapel?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more 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 efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fox Chapel?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Fox Chapel have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.