Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carnegie, PA (2024 Update)

  • Carnegie Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,273
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carnegie

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Carnegie.

The average cost of a solar system in Carnegie is 4 per watt.The average Carnegie homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,320 with the federal tax credit, or $24,768 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Carnegie homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Carnegie homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Carnegie for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Carnegie

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 Carnegie

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Carnegie

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carnegie

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Carnegie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Carnegie, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Carnegie homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea 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 consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Carnegie is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Carnegie have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $10,072 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

There are numerous companies to choose from in Carnegie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Carnegie, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carnegie?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Carnegie have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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