Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glassport, PA (2023 Update)

  • Glassport Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,273
  • Payback Period: 10.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Glassport

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Glassport.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glassport typically cost about 2.55. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Glassport, the average price of going solar will be about $12,441 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Glassport homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Glassport

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,804
3 years $-7,531
5 years $-4,257
7 years $-983
9 years $2,291
11 years $5,565
13 years $8,839
15 years $12,112
17 years $15,386
19 years $18,660
21 years $21,934
23 years $25,208
25 years $28,482

Top Solar Installers in Glassport

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Glassport

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glassport

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Glassport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Glassport. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Glassport average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Glassport homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Glassport's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Glassport know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $14,440 10.9 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $19,539 10.7 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $24,781 10.5 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $30,166 10.3 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $35,693 10.0 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $41,364 9.8 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $47,177 9.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $53,132 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • 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 big role in the company you go with.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.

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 Glassport, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Glassport is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Glassport?

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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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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