Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ambridge, PA (2024 Update)
- Ambridge Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
- 25-Year Savings: $17,246
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ambridge
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Ambridge.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ambridge typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Ambridge based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ambridge see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Ambridge, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ambridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,720 |
| 3 years | $-12,446 |
| 5 years | $-9,172 |
| 7 years | $-5,899 |
| 9 years | $-2,625 |
| 11 years | $649 |
| 13 years | $3,923 |
| 15 years | $7,197 |
| 17 years | $10,471 |
| 19 years | $13,744 |
| 21 years | $17,018 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $23,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Ambridge
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Ambridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ambridge
Although the average cost of a solar system in Ambridge is $17,357, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain 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 choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ambridge to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Ambridge, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Ambridge have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $10,018 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,755 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,691 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,826 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,159 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,692 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $35,423 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $40,353 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Ambridge, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Ambridge, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ambridge?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ambridge?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ambridge, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ambridge is currently $119,049, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,881 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ambridge is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.