Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilkinsburg, PA (2024 Update)
- Wilkinsburg Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $17,273
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilkinsburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Wilkinsburg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Wilkinsburg is 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Wilkinsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $17,320 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wilkinsburg find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Wilkinsburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wilkinsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-12,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,136 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,588 |
| 11 years | $686 |
| 13 years | $3,960 |
| 15 years | $7,233 |
| 17 years | $10,507 |
| 19 years | $13,781 |
| 21 years | $17,055 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilkinsburg
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Wilkinsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilkinsburg
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Wilkinsburg offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to add 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wilkinsburg is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $10,072 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,827 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,781 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,934 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,285 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,836 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,585 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,532 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Wilkinsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wilkinsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Wilkinsburg 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wilkinsburg?
Solar panels aren’t free in Wilkinsburg, 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.
Does Wilkinsburg have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.