Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bensalem, PA (2023 Update)
- Bensalem Solar Installation Cost: $11,751
- 25-Year Savings: $14,894
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bensalem
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Bensalem.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bensalem, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bensalem is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,745 for a solar installation, or $16,795 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bensalem find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bensalem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,663 |
| 3 years | $-11,485 |
| 5 years | $-11,307 |
| 7 years | $-11,130 |
| 9 years | $-10,952 |
| 11 years | $-10,774 |
| 13 years | $-10,597 |
| 15 years | $-10,419 |
| 17 years | $-10,241 |
| 19 years | $-10,064 |
| 21 years | $-9,886 |
| 23 years | $-9,709 |
| 25 years | $-9,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Bensalem
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Bensalem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bensalem
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bensalem: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Bensalem. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bensalem offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,146 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,813 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,623 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,576 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,672 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,911 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,293 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,817 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Bensalem, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bensalem?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.