Solar Panel Cost Guide in Penn Hills, PA (2023 Update)
- Penn Hills Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $13,805
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Penn Hills
We go over average solar pricing in Penn Hills.
In Penn Hills, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,441 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Penn Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Penn Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,392 |
| 3 years | $-9,292 |
| 5 years | $-7,192 |
| 7 years | $-5,093 |
| 9 years | $-2,993 |
| 11 years | $-893 |
| 13 years | $1,206 |
| 15 years | $3,306 |
| 17 years | $5,406 |
| 19 years | $7,506 |
| 21 years | $9,605 |
| 23 years | $11,705 |
| 25 years | $13,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Penn Hills
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Penn Hills:
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 Penn Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Penn Hills
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Penn Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Penn Hills. The type of 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Penn Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Penn Hills, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Penn Hills is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,455 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,559 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,805 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,195 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,727 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,402 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,220 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,181 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Penn Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Penn Hills, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Penn Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Penn Hills is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Penn Hills?
You can't get solar panels for free in Penn Hills. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.