Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Penn, PA (2025 Update)
- West Penn Solar Installation Cost: $16,864
- 25-Year Savings: $12,712
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Penn
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in West Penn.
In West Penn, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Penn, the average price of going solar will be about $16,864 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average West Penn homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in West Penn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Penn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,587 |
| 3 years | $-13,033 |
| 5 years | $-10,478 |
| 7 years | $-7,924 |
| 9 years | $-5,370 |
| 11 years | $-2,815 |
| 13 years | $-261 |
| 15 years | $2,293 |
| 17 years | $4,848 |
| 19 years | $7,402 |
| 21 years | $9,957 |
| 23 years | $12,511 |
| 25 years | $15,065 |
Top Solar Installers in West Penn
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in West Penn:
See all of the solar companies in West Penn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Penn
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Penn offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in West Penn, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $6,442 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,987 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,730 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,673 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,814 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,154 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,693 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,431 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's West Penn, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Penn?
The average cost of solar panels in West Penn is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in West Penn?
A solar panel system isn’t free in West Penn, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $731.61 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Penn?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.