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

  • Greensburg Solar Installation Cost: $12,552
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,492
  • Payback Period: 14.9 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Greensburg

We break down average solar pricing in Greensburg.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Greensburg generally cost about 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,549 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $11,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Greensburg, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Greensburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,482
3 years $-12,342
5 years $-12,202
7 years $-12,061
9 years $-11,921
11 years $-11,781
13 years $-11,640
15 years $-11,500
17 years $-11,360
19 years $-11,219
21 years $-11,079
23 years $-10,939
25 years $-10,799

Top Solar Installers in Greensburg

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.

If you're looking for a solar company in Greensburg, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Greensburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greensburg

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Greensburg is $12,549, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Greensburg, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Greensburg, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 $2.65 $11,138 $6,817 15.5 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $9,375 15.2 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $12,075 14.9 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $14,919 14.6 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $17,905 14.3 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $21,034 14.0 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $24,306 13.7 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $27,720 13.4 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. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Greensburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Greensburg?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Greensburg?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 get the most savings.

Does Greensburg have a net metering program?

Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Greensburg?

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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