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

  • Glenshaw Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,905
  • Payback Period: 15.3 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

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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 Glenshaw

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

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glenshaw generally cost about 4.The average Glenshaw 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.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Glenshaw can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Glenshaw that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Glenshaw

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 Glenshaw

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Glenshaw:

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 Glenshaw

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenshaw

For many Glenshaw homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glenshaw, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Glenshaw, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Glenshaw’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to 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 lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $8,895 15.9 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,258 15.6 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $15,819 15.3 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $19,579 15.0 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $23,538 14.7 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $27,696 14.4 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $32,052 14.1 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $36,608 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

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 Glenshaw, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Glenshaw 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 home 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.

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