Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsburgh, PA (2024 Update)
- Pittsburgh Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $16,000
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsburgh
We break down average solar pricing in Pittsburgh.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pittsburgh it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pittsburgh is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,320 for a solar installation, or $24,768 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Pittsburgh depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pittsburgh find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Pittsburgh, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsburgh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,695 |
| 3 years | $-12,444 |
| 5 years | $-9,193 |
| 7 years | $-5,943 |
| 9 years | $-2,692 |
| 11 years | $559 |
| 13 years | $3,810 |
| 15 years | $7,060 |
| 17 years | $10,311 |
| 19 years | $13,562 |
| 21 years | $16,813 |
| 23 years | $20,063 |
| 25 years | $23,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsburgh
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Pittsburgh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsburgh
For many Pittsburgh homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pittsburgh, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Pittsburgh, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Pittsburgh, and each can charge varying 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $8,977 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,367 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,956 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,743 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,730 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,915 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,299 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,881 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar 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 acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Pittsburgh, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsburgh?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $816.11 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.