Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sewickley, PA (2023 Update)
- Sewickley Solar Installation Cost: $12,552
- 25-Year Savings: $9,280
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sewickley
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sewickley.
The average cost of solar panels in Sewickley is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Sewickley is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,549 for a solar installation, or $17,945 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Sewickley can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sewickley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,414 |
| 3 years | $-9,137 |
| 5 years | $-6,861 |
| 7 years | $-4,584 |
| 9 years | $-2,307 |
| 11 years | $-31 |
| 13 years | $2,246 |
| 15 years | $4,522 |
| 17 years | $6,799 |
| 19 years | $9,076 |
| 21 years | $11,352 |
| 23 years | $13,629 |
| 25 years | $15,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Sewickley
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Sewickley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sewickley
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sewickley is $12,549, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Sewickley, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,489 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $10,271 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $13,196 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $16,264 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $19,474 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $22,827 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $26,323 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $29,962 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry 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 going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Sewickley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sewickley?
The average cost of solar panels in Sewickley is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sewickley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
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 $620.92 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.