Solar Panel Cost Guide in McKeesport, PA (2024 Update)
- McKeesport Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $23,603
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in McKeesport
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in McKeesport.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in McKeesport typically cost about 4.The average McKeesport homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,320 with the federal tax credit, or $24,768 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in McKeesport depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average McKeesport homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in McKeesport for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in McKeesport
| 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 McKeesport
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in McKeesport, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in McKeesport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McKeesport
Even though the average cost of a solar system in McKeesport is $17,320, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the McKeesport average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in McKeesport offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in McKeesport is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,273 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,096 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,116 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,336 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,755 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,372 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,188 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,203 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's McKeesport, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in McKeesport?
The average cost of solar panels in McKeesport is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in McKeesport?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits 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 much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $759.33 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.