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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 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.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in McKees Rocks

YearReturn 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

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage 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 your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in McKees Rocks:

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in McKees Rocks

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McKees Rocks

For many McKees Rocks homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in McKees Rocks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in McKees Rocks.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in McKees Rocks to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for McKees Rocks homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. McKees Rocks’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$10,07215.2 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$13,82714.9 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$17,78114.6 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$21,93414.3 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$26,28514.0 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$30,83613.7 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$35,58513.4 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$40,53213.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's McKees Rocks, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in McKees Rocks?

The average cost of solar panels in McKees Rocks is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump 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 power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. 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 should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.