Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper St Clair, PA (2023 Update)
- Upper St Clair Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $12,938
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper St Clair
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Upper St Clair.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upper St Clair, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Upper St Clair, the average price of going solar will be about $12,441 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Upper St Clair homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Upper St Clair, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper St Clair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,426 |
| 3 years | $-9,396 |
| 5 years | $-7,366 |
| 7 years | $-5,335 |
| 9 years | $-3,305 |
| 11 years | $-1,275 |
| 13 years | $756 |
| 15 years | $2,786 |
| 17 years | $4,816 |
| 19 years | $6,847 |
| 21 years | $8,877 |
| 23 years | $10,907 |
| 25 years | $12,938 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper St Clair
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Upper St Clair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper St Clair
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Upper St Clair: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge 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 want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Upper St Clair homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Upper St Clair homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Upper St Clair, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Upper St Clair have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,709 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,564 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,562 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,702 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,986 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,412 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,981 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,693 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Upper St Clair, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Upper St Clair, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper St Clair?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper St Clair 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Upper St Clair?
A solar panel system isn't free in Upper St Clair, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upper St Clair?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.