Solar Panel Cost Guide in Philadelphia, MS (2024 Update)
- Philadelphia Solar Installation Cost: $18,451
- 25-Year Savings: $15,125
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Philadelphia
We go over average solar pricing in Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.4-kW system would cost about $18,451 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Philadelphia find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Philadelphia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,922 |
| 3 years | $-13,863 |
| 5 years | $-10,805 |
| 7 years | $-7,747 |
| 9 years | $-4,689 |
| 11 years | $-1,631 |
| 13 years | $1,427 |
| 15 years | $4,486 |
| 17 years | $7,544 |
| 19 years | $10,602 |
| 21 years | $13,660 |
| 23 years | $16,718 |
| 25 years | $19,776 |
Top Solar Installers in Philadelphia
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Philadelphia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Philadelphia
For many Philadelphia homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Philadelphia, 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,140.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Philadelphia to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Philadelphia homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Philadelphia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.27 | $13,716 | $8,183 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $11,263 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $14,518 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $17,949 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $21,556 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $25,339 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $29,298 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $33,432 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Philadelphia, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Philadelphia?
The average cost of solar panels in Philadelphia is about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Philadelphia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Philadelphia?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.