Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Penn, PA (Mar 2023)
- West Penn Solar Installation Cost: $12,120
- 25-Year Savings: $12,705
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Penn
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Penn.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Penn generally cost around 2.55. Because 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 $12,120 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in West Penn that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Penn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,127 |
| 3 years | $-9,141 |
| 5 years | $-7,155 |
| 7 years | $-5,169 |
| 9 years | $-3,183 |
| 11 years | $-1,197 |
| 13 years | $789 |
| 15 years | $2,775 |
| 17 years | $4,761 |
| 19 years | $6,747 |
| 21 years | $8,733 |
| 23 years | $10,719 |
| 25 years | $12,705 |
Top Solar Installers in West Penn
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company 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
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 West Penn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Penn
Even though the average cost of a solar system in West Penn is $12,120, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Penn, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many West Penn homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in West Penn are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $10,810 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,699 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,730 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,905 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,222 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,682 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,285 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,031 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in West Penn, 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:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 West Penn, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Penn?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want other 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.
Are solar panels free in West Penn?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Penn. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.