Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Penn, PA (2023 Update)
- West Penn Solar Installation Cost: $12,114
- 25-Year Savings: $12,712
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Penn
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Penn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Penn it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in West Penn is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,120 for a solar installation, or $17,332 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Penn see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Penn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,031 |
| 3 years | $-11,866 |
| 5 years | $-11,700 |
| 7 years | $-11,535 |
| 9 years | $-11,369 |
| 11 years | $-11,204 |
| 13 years | $-11,038 |
| 15 years | $-10,873 |
| 17 years | $-10,707 |
| 19 years | $-10,542 |
| 21 years | $-10,376 |
| 23 years | $-10,211 |
| 25 years | $-10,045 |
Top Solar Installers in West Penn
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in West Penn, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 West Penn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Penn
The cost of installing a solar system in West Penn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in West Penn. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Penn to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Penn, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $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
Since the type 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 West Penn, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Penn?
The average cost of solar panels in West Penn 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Penn?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in West Penn?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.