Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Sewickley, PA (2024 Update)
- North Sewickley Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
- 25-Year Savings: $13,964
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Sewickley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in North Sewickley.
The average cost of solar panels in North Sewickley is 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in North Sewickley, the average price of going solar will be about $17,357 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of North Sewickley homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average North Sewickley homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in North Sewickley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Sewickley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,831 |
| 3 years | $-12,780 |
| 5 years | $-9,729 |
| 7 years | $-6,678 |
| 9 years | $-3,627 |
| 11 years | $-576 |
| 13 years | $2,475 |
| 15 years | $5,527 |
| 17 years | $8,578 |
| 19 years | $11,629 |
| 21 years | $14,680 |
| 23 years | $17,731 |
| 25 years | $20,782 |
Top Solar Installers in North Sewickley
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in North Sewickley:
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 North Sewickley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Sewickley
For many North Sewickley homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Sewickley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in North Sewickley.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 over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the North Sewickley average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many North Sewickley homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in North Sewickley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 choose a company that provides 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,199 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,996 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,992 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,187 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,580 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,172 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,964 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,954 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy 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 acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 North Sewickley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Sewickley?
The average cost of solar panels in North Sewickley 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Sewickley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Sewickley?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.