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Pittsburgh solar panels
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular across the U.S. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have invested in producing more solar energy, and Pittsburgh residents are in a great position to consider installing solar panels. Read on to learn more about solar in Pittsburgh, such as the cost of solar panels in Pittsburgh, incentives for buying a solar array, options for going solar in Pittsburgh, and more.
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Cost of solar panels in Pittsburgh
The average cost per watt of solar panels in the U.S. is $3.67, with a median system size of 8.6 kW, according to Berkeley Lab’s Tracking the Sun Report. In Pittsburgh, the average cost is $4.09, sitting higher than the national average. The average home in Pittsburgh needs a 7 kW system to match its electricity usage.
Keep in mind that the final cost of your system depends on many factors, such as its size and the installer you choose.
How much do solar panels cost in Pittsburgh in 2022?
Based on the above average rate and system size in Pittsburgh, you can anticipate paying about $28,630 for a solar array. However, this total cost doesn’t factor in the various tax credits and incentives you can access for solar panels in Pittsburgh.
The most significant of these credits is the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly known as the ITC). This program, which was recently extended to 2032, offers you 30% of your solar panel cost back as a tax credit. For example, if you paid the average price for solar of $28,630, your total cost would be $20,041 after taking the federal credit.
Tax credits aren’t the only way to bring costs down. Purchasing solar panels for home in Pittsburgh will save you money in the long run. According to our data, the average Pennsylvania resident spends about $139.59 per month on their electricity bill, for a total of $1,675.08 per year. At that rate, it would take about 12 years to recoup the cost of a $20,000 system.
Over a full 20 years with solar in Pittsburgh, you could save around $13,460 if your system provides enough energy to meet your household needs. And that’s a conservative estimate, given the fact that electricity prices continue to rise.
Average solar panel cost by system size in Pittsburgh
In the U.S., the national average cost to install solar panels runs around $3.67 per watt. The cost of solar panel installation in Pittsburgh tends to run higher, however.
Since the cost of solar in Pittsburgh can vary widely, it’s important to estimate the size of system you’ll need by looking at your typical energy usage. Check your utility bills to see your average usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) each month, then use that to gauge your annual energy demand and run that through a solar calculator like the one from KW Solar.
For example, the average Pennsylvania resident uses about 10,152 kWh of electricity per year. To cover that level of energy usage, you’d need a solar array that’s roughly 6.5 kW, according to KW Solar. A system that size would run you about $18,600 after taking the ITC (if you paid the Pittsburgh average of $4.09).
Get an exact quote from our solar advisors
The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you’re interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.
1. Complete the form below
2. Schedule an appointment with a solar advisor
3. Get an exact price quote for solar panels for your home
Incentives for solar panels in Pittsburgh
The upfront cost of installing solar panels is a significant expense for most people. The good news is that various government agencies and utility companies offer tax credits and incentives to make these costs more manageable. Pittsburgh residents can take advantage the federal tax credit as well as several state incentives for Pittsburgh solar power.
| Incentive | Local, State, or Federal? | Incentive Details |
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal | 30% tax credit active through 2032; can also be retroactively applied to solar systems purchased in early 2022 |
| Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) | State | Program allows PA residents to earn credits for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy they produce, which they can later sell. |
| Net Metering | State | Pennsylvania residents can sell excess solar energy back to utility providers in exchange for bill credits. |
Solar companies in Pittsburgh
When you’re considering the cost of solar in Pittsburgh, it’s important to compare options from different installers in the area. Pennsylvania currently has 186 different installers and developers, and installation costs vary among them.
The good news is that you don’t have to do all the legwork when comparing your options. SaveOnEnergy works with a wide range of solar installers in Pittsburgh, and we can help you connect with the provider that fits your needs. Fill out our form or call the number on your screen to speak with one of our solar advisors and get started today.
Is going solar in Pittsburgh right for you?
Beyond tax credits and incentives, there are a few other options you can consider when looking for the best way to add solar to your home in Pittsburgh. Consider power purchase agreements, community solar, or another option listed below.
Solar for renters
Renters who wish to benefit from using solar energy face more limited options, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take advantage of solar in Pittsburgh. First, try speaking with your landlord about the benefits of solar and see if they might be open to it. If not, consider investing in a small array you can position on your balcony or patio. Also look into small solar-powered devices like phone chargers and generators.
Solar for homeowners
If you own a home in Pittsburgh, you have the option to buy your own solar panels. Purchasing your solar panels represents the best long-term investment and gives you access to the various credits and incentives previously discussed. You’ll gain huge long-term savings, increase your home’s value, and reduce your home’s carbon footprint — a big win-win.
If you aren’t ready to purchase a system, you can look into options such as solar leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs), which allow you to purchase solar power from developers or utility companies. With both of these types of contracts, a solar company will install and manage solar panels on your property. You won’t own the panels, but you will be able to enjoy the energy they produce.
Community solar
If the cost of solar panels in Pittsburgh still represents a significant hurdle for you, it may be a good idea to look at community solar programs in your area. These arrangements allow you to share a solar array with other residents and earn credits toward your utility bills.
Solar power FAQs
Pittsburgh solar panel costs vary depending on the size of the system and the installer you choose. On average, Pennsylvania residents can expect to spend about $28,630 on their solar panels before factoring in tax credits and other incentives.
Solar power is a great investment if your home gets enough sunlight to generate plenty of energy for your home. With sufficient sunlight, you can easily recoup the costs of your solar array in about 12 years.
Because pricing can vary by installer, it’s important to compare your options to find the right fit. SaveOnEnergy can help you compare installers and connect with the right one for your needs. Fill out the form or call the number on your screen to get started.
Relying on solar power is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to the health of the environment. It’s a clean form of energy, meaning the process of generating solar energy doesn’t result in any carbon emissions. It’s also a renewable form of energy, meaning that we can use the sun’s energy each day without reducing its capacity as a future power source.