Solar Cost Options

Solar That Fits Your Life, Not The Other Way Around

Most solar companies push one option. We help you compare them all, so you pick what actually fits your home, your bills, and your goals.

〔 Two Paths 〕

Two Ways To Go Solar

Most solar companies push one path because it’s easier for them. We walk you through both, so you pick what actually fits your home.

Most Popular

Monthly Solar (PPA)

$0 Upfront. Lower Predictable Electricity Costs.

  • Solar installed on your home with no upfront cost
  • Purchase electricity from the solar system at a predetermined rate billed by the PPA provider
  • No loan, debt, or reporting to credit bureaus
  • Monitoring, maintenance, and repairs included

The PPA provider owns and maintains the equipment. You simply purchase the electricity it produces at an agreed-upon rate.

Typical Savings: 20-40% Vs. The Utility

Best for homeowners who want lower electric bills without a large upfront investment or loan.

Best Long-Term Value

Ownership (Cash Or Loan)

Direct Ownership. Maximum Control.

  • Purchase with cash or monthly financing
  • You own the equipment and the electricity it generates
  • No third-party ownership or solar service agreement

Greatest Long-Term Savings

Best for homeowners who want to own their system and maximize long-term value.

〔 Monthly Solar (PPA) 〕

How A Power Purchase Agreement Works

A PPA isn’t a loan or a lease. A solar system is physically installed on your home at $0 upfront for qualified homeowners, and instead of buying the panels, you buy the electricity they produce at a rate that’s set ahead of time. Maintenance and monitoring are included for the life of the agreement.

Utility (all-in rate)

~16-23¢

per kWh, climbing

Solar PPA (typical range)

~12-17¢

per kWh, set ahead of time

Two Rate Structures

0% Escalator PPA

A flat rate that never increases.

Best when you value a locked-in, never-changing rate.

2.99% Escalator PPA

Starts lower with a small, planned annual increase.

Best when you want the lowest starting payment.

A prepaid PPA is also available, pay up front instead of monthly. Ask about it during your solar review.

What’s Included

  • $0 upfront for qualified homeowners
  • Per-panel monitoring app, free for life of system
  • Monitoring, maintenance, and repairs included
  • 25-year typical term length
  • 90% production guarantee where supported
  • Roof-penetration warranty included
〔 Ownership 〕

Own Your System Outright

Ownership is the path to the largest lifetime savings. You pay for the system, in cash or financed, and you own the equipment, the production, and any available incentives that come with it.

Cash Ownership

Buy It Outright

Pay for the system in full and start saving immediately, no monthly payment, no interest, no escalators.

  • Typical residential systems: ~$20,000-$45,000 depending on size, equipment, and adders
  • No financing, no interest, no annual rate increases
  • Maximum lifetime value once installed
  • You keep any available incentives or credits

Solar Loan

Finance Over Time

Own the system from day one and spread the payments out, often over 20-30 years. Most homeowners replace their utility bill with a known monthly payment that goes toward owning the asset.

  • Terms up to 30 years (depending on lender and credit)
  • Rates have been discussed around ~7.25% recently, subject to change
  • You own the system and any available incentives
  • Financing partners include LightReach and Goodleap, among others

Specific loan rates, terms, and any tax credits or incentives should be confirmed in your solar review and (where relevant) with your CPA.

〔 Your Custom Quote 〕

What Actually Affects Your Solar Price

There’s no one-size-fits-all sticker price for solar, but there is a real number for your specific home. These are the variables we look at in your 15-minute solar review.

Your Monthly Usage

Bigger bills usually mean a bigger system. Annual kWh usage is the single biggest input into system size and price.

Your Roof

Orientation, pitch, condition, and how much usable space you have all change what's installable, and what it costs.

Shade & Production

Trees, neighbors, and chimneys affect production. We design around it so you don't pay for panels that won't produce.

Utility Territory

Duquesne Light, Penn Power, and West Penn Power all have different all-in rates, which changes what your savings actually look like.

Equipment Choice

QCells panels + Enphase IQ8 microinverters are the standard. Premium REC Alpha Pure panels are an optional upgrade.

Add-Ons

Batteries, ground-mounts, EV chargers, and electrical upgrades all change cost. None are required, and we'll only recommend what actually fits.