Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bradford, PA (2025 Update)
- Bradford Solar Installation Cost: $17,998
- 25-Year Savings: $17,672
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bradford
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bradford.
The average cost of a solar system in Bradford is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bradford, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,998, or $25,737 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bradford find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bradford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,520 |
| 3 years | $-13,565 |
| 5 years | $-10,610 |
| 7 years | $-7,655 |
| 9 years | $-4,700 |
| 11 years | $-1,745 |
| 13 years | $1,210 |
| 15 years | $4,164 |
| 17 years | $7,119 |
| 19 years | $10,074 |
| 21 years | $13,029 |
| 23 years | $15,984 |
| 25 years | $18,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Bradford
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company 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 company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Bradford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bradford
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,550.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bradford average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Bradford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bradford are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,843 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,522 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,400 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,476 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,751 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,225 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $34,898 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,769 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Bradford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
EcoWatch's Bradford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bradford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Bradford?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 keep using 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.