Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenshaw, PA (Mar 2023)
- Glenshaw Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $15,905
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glenshaw
We go over average solar pricing in Glenshaw.
In Glenshaw, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Glenshaw 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.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Glenshaw depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Glenshaw can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glenshaw
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,308 |
| 3 years | $-9,040 |
| 5 years | $-6,772 |
| 7 years | $-4,504 |
| 9 years | $-2,237 |
| 11 years | $31 |
| 13 years | $2,299 |
| 15 years | $4,566 |
| 17 years | $6,834 |
| 19 years | $9,102 |
| 21 years | $11,369 |
| 23 years | $13,637 |
| 25 years | $15,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Glenshaw
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Glenshaw
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenshaw
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Glenshaw: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Glenshaw to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Glenshaw, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,263 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,970 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,819 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,811 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,946 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,224 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,644 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,208 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Glenshaw, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Glenshaw, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glenshaw?
This is a difficult 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Glenshaw?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 Glenshaw have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Glenshaw?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.