Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Mifflin, PA (2024 Update)
- West Mifflin Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $23,603
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Mifflin
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Mifflin.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Mifflin generally cost about 4.The average West Mifflin 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 numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Mifflin can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in West Mifflin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Mifflin
| 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 West Mifflin
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in West Mifflin:
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 West Mifflin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Mifflin
For many West Mifflin homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Mifflin, 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 cost of a solar panel system in West Mifflin, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Mifflin to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Mifflin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $6,874 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,562 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,450 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,536 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,822 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,306 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,989 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,870 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 West Mifflin, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Mifflin?
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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Mifflin?
Solar panels aren’t free in West Mifflin, 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 my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in West Mifflin?
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 higher 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.