Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsburgh, PA (Mar 2023)
- Pittsburgh Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $16,000
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsburgh
We break down average solar pricing in Pittsburgh.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Pittsburgh is 2.55 per watt. 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 pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Pittsburgh homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pittsburgh for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pittsburgh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,304 |
| 3 years | $-9,028 |
| 5 years | $-6,753 |
| 7 years | $-4,478 |
| 9 years | $-2,202 |
| 11 years | $73 |
| 13 years | $2,348 |
| 15 years | $4,624 |
| 17 years | $6,899 |
| 19 years | $9,174 |
| 21 years | $11,450 |
| 23 years | $13,725 |
| 25 years | $16,000 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsburgh
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Pittsburgh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsburgh
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Pittsburgh is $12,441, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Pittsburgh. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pittsburgh, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pittsburgh have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Pittsburgh homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Pittsburgh, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice 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 larger companies.
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 | $13,345 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,079 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,956 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,975 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,138 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,443 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,891 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,481 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Pittsburgh, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Pittsburgh, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsburgh?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pittsburgh?
A solar panel system isn't free in Pittsburgh, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pittsburgh is currently $165,410, which means you can expect a value of about $6,782 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pittsburgh is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 house 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.