Solar Panel Cost Guide in Canonsburg, PA (2024 Update)
- Canonsburg Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
- 25-Year Savings: $8,723
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Canonsburg
We go over average solar pricing in Canonsburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Canonsburg it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Canonsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $17,152 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Canonsburg can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Canonsburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Canonsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,069 |
| 3 years | $-13,904 |
| 5 years | $-11,738 |
| 7 years | $-9,572 |
| 9 years | $-7,406 |
| 11 years | $-5,240 |
| 13 years | $-3,075 |
| 15 years | $-909 |
| 17 years | $1,257 |
| 19 years | $3,423 |
| 21 years | $5,589 |
| 23 years | $7,754 |
| 25 years | $9,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Canonsburg
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Canonsburg, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Canonsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Canonsburg
Though the average cost of a solar system in Canonsburg is $17,152, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Canonsburg, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Canonsburg provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Canonsburg homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Canonsburg is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $2,786 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,112 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,638 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,362 | 20.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,284 | 19.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,406 | 19.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,726 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,245 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Canonsburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Canonsburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Canonsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Canonsburg 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $609.75 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.