Allegheny County · Home solar guide

Solar in Upper St. Clair

Larger homes, bigger bills, and plenty of south-facing roof. One of the strongest solar cases in the South Hills.

A sample Upper St. Clair home

1970s two-story, 2,600 sq ft, $210/month electric bill.

System size11.5 kWAbout 28 panels
Estimated cost$30.8kAt $2.68/W, before any programs
Yearly savings$2270At Duquesne Light rates
Simple payback13.6 yrsPanels are warrantied 25 years

Estimate assumes a year-round average bill of $210, ~$0.19/kWh all-in Duquesne Light rate, 1,150 kWh per kW per year, and 90% bill offset. Real quotes depend on your roof, shade, and equipment.

Roof & sun in Upper St. Clair

Source: NREL PVWatts, local assessor data
Output per kW1,150 kWhPer year, south-facing roof at a 30° tilt
Peak sun hours3.9 / dayAnnual average. Summer runs about twice winter
Tree canopyModerateTypical for residential streets
Common roofHip & gableMost frequent roof style in the township
Permits

What Upper St. Clair requires.

Your installer normally pulls these permits for you. Use this list to make sure a quote includes them.

Permitting officeUpper St. Clair Community DevelopmentTownship Building, McLaughlin Run Road.
Building permitUnder the PA Uniform Construction Code. Includes a roof load review, and a stamped structural letter for older framing.
Electrical permit & inspectionPerformed by a third-party agency approved by the township.
Zoning / HOA reviewSetbacks, front-roof placement, and any historic or HOA approvals.
Duquesne Light interconnectionLevel 1 application. The meter swap happens after final inspection.
Local FAQ

Asked by Upper St. Clair homeowners.

Generally yes under the Pennsylvania UCC, but check zoning and any HOA or historic overlay before you sign. Your installer should confirm this during the site visit.

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