Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenshaw, PA (2023 Update)
- Glenshaw Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $15,905
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glenshaw
We break down average solar pricing in Glenshaw.
The average cost of a solar system in Glenshaw is 2.55 per watt. The average Glenshaw homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,441 with the federal tax credit, or $17,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Glenshaw depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Glenshaw find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Glenshaw, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glenshaw
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,347 |
| 3 years | $-12,158 |
| 5 years | $-11,969 |
| 7 years | $-11,780 |
| 9 years | $-11,591 |
| 11 years | $-11,402 |
| 13 years | $-11,213 |
| 15 years | $-11,024 |
| 17 years | $-10,835 |
| 19 years | $-10,646 |
| 21 years | $-10,457 |
| 23 years | $-10,268 |
| 25 years | $-10,079 |
Top Solar Installers in Glenshaw
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
See all of the solar companies in Glenshaw
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenshaw
For many Glenshaw homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glenshaw, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Glenshaw, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Glenshaw, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Glenshaw, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Glenshaw's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Glenshaw, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glenshaw?
The average cost of solar panels in Glenshaw 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Glenshaw?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.