Solar Panel Cost Guide in McKees Rocks, PA (2024 Update)
- McKees Rocks Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $17,273
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McKees Rocks
We break down average solar pricing in McKees Rocks.
The average cost of solar panels in McKees Rocks is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,320 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in McKees Rocks depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average McKees Rocks homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in McKees Rocks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McKees Rocks
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,683 |
3 years | $-12,410 |
5 years | $-9,136 |
7 years | $-5,862 |
9 years | $-2,588 |
11 years | $686 |
13 years | $3,960 |
15 years | $7,233 |
17 years | $10,507 |
19 years | $13,781 |
21 years | $17,055 |
23 years | $20,329 |
25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in McKees Rocks
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in McKees Rocks, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 McKees Rocks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McKees Rocks
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in McKees Rocks: 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 important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in McKees Rocks.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many McKees Rocks homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for McKees Rocks homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in McKees Rocks is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $10,072 | 15.2 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,827 | 14.9 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,781 | 14.6 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,934 | 14.3 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,285 | 14.0 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,836 | 13.7 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,585 | 13.4 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,532 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining 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 take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's McKees Rocks, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McKees Rocks?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $852.62 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.