Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bensalem, PA (2024 Update)

  • Bensalem Solar Installation Cost: $16,360
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,894
  • Payback Period: 15.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bensalem

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Bensalem.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bensalem it’s 4 per watt.The average Bensalem homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,360 with the federal tax credit, or $23,395 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Bensalem based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Bensalem for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Bensalem

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,070
3 years $-12,489
5 years $-9,908
7 years $-7,328
9 years $-4,747
11 years $-2,167
13 years $414
15 years $2,994
17 years $5,575
19 years $8,155
21 years $10,736
23 years $13,317
25 years $15,897

Top Solar Installers in Bensalem

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Bensalem:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Bensalem

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bensalem

The cost of installing a solar system in Bensalem can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Bensalem.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bensalem, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bensalem, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bensalem is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $8,778 16.0 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,101 15.7 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $15,623 15.3 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $19,344 15.0 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $23,264 14.7 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $27,383 14.4 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $31,701 14.1 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $36,217 13.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Bensalem, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Bensalem, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bensalem?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Bensalem?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Bensalem. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Bensalem?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Bensalem?

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.

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