Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sewickley, PA (2024 Update)
- Sewickley Solar Installation Cost: $17,475
- 25-Year Savings: $9,280
- Payback Period: 20.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sewickley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sewickley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sewickley it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,475 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sewickley can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer 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 | $-16,336 |
| 3 years | $-14,060 |
| 5 years | $-11,783 |
| 7 years | $-9,507 |
| 9 years | $-7,230 |
| 11 years | $-4,953 |
| 13 years | $-2,677 |
| 15 years | $-400 |
| 17 years | $1,877 |
| 19 years | $4,153 |
| 21 years | $6,430 |
| 23 years | $8,706 |
| 25 years | $10,983 |
Top Solar Installers in Sewickley
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer 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 Sewickley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sewickley
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sewickley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Sewickley.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sewickley, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Sewickley homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $3,121 | 20.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,559 | 20.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $6,196 | 20.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $8,032 | 19.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $10,066 | 19.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $12,299 | 18.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $14,731 | 18.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $17,362 | 18.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy 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 secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 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 $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 such as the type 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 appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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.