Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsburgh, PA (2024 Update)
- Pittsburgh Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $16,000
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsburgh
We break down average solar pricing in Pittsburgh.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pittsburgh it’s 4 per watt.The average Pittsburgh 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pittsburgh find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsburgh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,695 |
| 3 years | $-12,444 |
| 5 years | $-9,193 |
| 7 years | $-5,943 |
| 9 years | $-2,692 |
| 11 years | $559 |
| 13 years | $3,810 |
| 15 years | $7,060 |
| 17 years | $10,311 |
| 19 years | $13,562 |
| 21 years | $16,813 |
| 23 years | $20,063 |
| 25 years | $23,314 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsburgh
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Pittsburgh, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Pittsburgh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsburgh
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Pittsburgh.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 will be looking at 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pittsburgh have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Pittsburgh’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $8,977 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,367 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,956 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,743 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,730 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,915 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,299 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,881 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Pittsburgh, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Pittsburgh, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsburgh?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Pittsburgh, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.