Solar Panel Cost Guide in McKees Rocks, PA (2023 Update)
- McKees Rocks Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $17,273
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McKees Rocks
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in McKees Rocks.
In McKees Rocks, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in McKees Rocks, the average price of going solar will be about $12,441 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in McKees Rocks based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in McKees Rocks see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in McKees Rocks that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in McKees Rocks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,342 |
| 3 years | $-12,144 |
| 5 years | $-11,946 |
| 7 years | $-11,748 |
| 9 years | $-11,550 |
| 11 years | $-11,352 |
| 13 years | $-11,154 |
| 15 years | $-10,956 |
| 17 years | $-10,758 |
| 19 years | $-10,559 |
| 21 years | $-10,361 |
| 23 years | $-10,163 |
| 25 years | $-9,965 |
Top Solar Installers in McKees Rocks
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 McKees Rocks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McKees Rocks
The cost of installing a solar system in McKees Rocks can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in McKees Rocks. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for McKees Rocks homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. McKees Rocks' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $14,440 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,539 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,781 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $30,166 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,693 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $41,364 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $47,177 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $53,132 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in McKees Rocks, 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:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark 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 McKees Rocks, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McKees Rocks?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in McKees Rocks?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is going 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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in McKees Rocks?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.