Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson Hills, PA (2023 Update)
- Jefferson Hills Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $12,071
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson Hills
We go over average solar pricing in Jefferson Hills.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jefferson Hills it's 2.55 per watt. The average Jefferson Hills 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Jefferson Hills homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,461 |
| 3 years | $-9,500 |
| 5 years | $-7,539 |
| 7 years | $-5,578 |
| 9 years | $-3,617 |
| 11 years | $-1,656 |
| 13 years | $305 |
| 15 years | $2,266 |
| 17 years | $4,227 |
| 19 years | $6,188 |
| 21 years | $8,149 |
| 23 years | $10,110 |
| 25 years | $12,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson Hills
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Jefferson Hills, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
See all of the solar companies in Jefferson Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson Hills
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Jefferson Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Jefferson Hills, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Jefferson Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Jefferson Hills have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $9,962 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,568 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,318 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,210 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,244 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,422 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,742 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $38,205 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types 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, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 Jefferson Hills, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson Hills 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Jefferson Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 requires 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.