How to Can Switch to Solar Energy, Without the Lofty Price Tag
The Switch Together program returns to Allegheny County; last year, residents saw an average discount of 16%.
PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER
According to Consumer Affairs, if you switched to solar power now, you could save more than $49,000 in utility costs over 25 years — that is, of course, after you paid the average installation price of $20,000 today.
While the switch can come with a hefty price tag, “switching together” can help save on that up-front cost. This year, the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are partnering with Solar United Neighbors (SUN), a national nonprofit, to bring back Switch Together, a program that aims at saving residents money on solar power installations.
“At a time when energy costs are putting more pressure on families across the city, this program makes solar an accessible option at a discounted price to help sustainably lower utility bills,” Mayor Corey O’Connor says in a press release. “I’d like to thank Solar United Neighbors and Allegheny County for their partnership in bringing this opportunity to our communities.”
Switch Together works by using a group-buying model and organizing reverse auctions with qualified installers to incentivise them to offer their most competitive prices. The installers offer solar lease and power purchase agreement options to residents who do not want to use cash purchasing or loan financing.
Last year, during the 2025 Greater Pittsburgh Switch Together program, 400 residents saw an average discount of 16%.
“Transitioning to cleaner energy is an important part of building a more resilient and sustainable Allegheny County,” Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato says in a press release. “Switch Together gives residents an opportunity to learn more about solar and explore whether it makes sense for their homes, while using the collective buying power of our communities to make these options more accessible.”
Registration is free and there is no obligation to accept an offer. Participants will receive a free personal recommendation upon registering; the final day to register is Nov. 18.
To register or learn more, click here.
