Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ardmore, PA (2024 Update)
- Ardmore Solar Installation Cost: $16,272
- 25-Year Savings: $14,957
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ardmore
We break down average solar pricing in Ardmore.
In Ardmore, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ardmore, the average price of going solar will be about $16,272 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Ardmore homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Ardmore that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ardmore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,982 |
| 3 years | $-12,401 |
| 5 years | $-9,821 |
| 7 years | $-7,240 |
| 9 years | $-4,660 |
| 11 years | $-2,079 |
| 13 years | $502 |
| 15 years | $3,082 |
| 17 years | $5,663 |
| 19 years | $8,243 |
| 21 years | $10,824 |
| 23 years | $13,404 |
| 25 years | $15,985 |
Top Solar Installers in Ardmore
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Ardmore, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Ardmore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ardmore
For many Ardmore homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ardmore, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ardmore is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better 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 down 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,909 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,276 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,842 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,606 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,570 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,732 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,093 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,653 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Ardmore, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ardmore?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.