Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Sewickley, PA (2023 Update)
- North Sewickley Solar Installation Cost: $12,468
- 25-Year Savings: $13,964
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Sewickley
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Sewickley.
The average cost of solar panels in North Sewickley is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in North Sewickley, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,459, or $17,816 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Sewickley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Sewickley find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Sewickley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,942 |
| 3 years | $-7,891 |
| 5 years | $-4,840 |
| 7 years | $-1,789 |
| 9 years | $1,262 |
| 11 years | $4,314 |
| 13 years | $7,365 |
| 15 years | $10,416 |
| 17 years | $13,467 |
| 19 years | $16,518 |
| 21 years | $19,569 |
| 23 years | $22,620 |
| 25 years | $25,672 |
Top Solar Installers in North Sewickley
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in North Sewickley, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
See all of the solar companies in North Sewickley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Sewickley
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in North Sewickley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Sewickley average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in North Sewickley have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. North Sewickley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $11,567 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,708 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,992 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,419 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,988 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,700 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,556 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,554 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 North Sewickley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Sewickley?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Sewickley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
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 $756.84 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.