Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pleasant Hills, PA (2024 Update)

  • Pleasant Hills Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,938
  • Payback Period: 17.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pleasant Hills

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Pleasant Hills.

In Pleasant Hills, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,320 before the 0 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 consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Pleasant Hills see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pleasant Hills that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Pleasant Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,683
3 years $-12,410
5 years $-9,136
7 years $-5,862
9 years $-2,588
11 years $686
13 years $3,960
15 years $7,233
17 years $10,507
19 years $13,781
21 years $17,055
23 years $20,329
25 years $23,603

Top Solar Installers in Pleasant Hills

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Pleasant Hills:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Pleasant Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pleasant Hills

The cost of installing a solar system in Pleasant Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Pleasant Hills.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Pleasant Hills have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Pleasant Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pleasant Hills have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $6,341 17.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $8,852 17.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $11,562 17.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $14,470 16.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $17,578 16.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $20,884 16.0 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $24,389 15.7 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $28,093 15.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Pleasant Hills, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pleasant Hills?

The average cost of solar panels in Pleasant Hills 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Pleasant Hills?

Solar panels aren’t free in Pleasant Hills, 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 further reduce the cost.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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