Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sewickley, PA (2023 Update)
- Sewickley Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $9,283
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sewickley
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sewickley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sewickley, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Sewickley, the average price of going solar will be about $12,549 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sewickley see about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Sewickley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sewickley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,675 |
| 3 years | $-9,929 |
| 5 years | $-8,182 |
| 7 years | $-6,436 |
| 9 years | $-4,689 |
| 11 years | $-2,942 |
| 13 years | $-1,196 |
| 15 years | $551 |
| 17 years | $2,297 |
| 19 years | $4,044 |
| 21 years | $5,790 |
| 23 years | $7,537 |
| 25 years | $9,283 |
Top Solar Installers in Sewickley
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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
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 Sewickley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sewickley
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Sewickley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sewickley, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower 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 go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Sewickley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sewickley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sewickley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sewickley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Sewickley?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.