Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brentwood, PA (2023 Update)
- Brentwood Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $17,273
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brentwood
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Brentwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brentwood, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Brentwood, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,441, or $17,791 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Brentwood homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Brentwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brentwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,342 |
| 3 years | $-12,144 |
| 5 years | $-11,946 |
| 7 years | $-11,748 |
| 9 years | $-11,550 |
| 11 years | $-11,352 |
| 13 years | $-11,154 |
| 15 years | $-10,956 |
| 17 years | $-10,758 |
| 19 years | $-10,559 |
| 21 years | $-10,361 |
| 23 years | $-10,163 |
| 25 years | $-9,965 |
Top Solar Installers in Brentwood
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Brentwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brentwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Brentwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Brentwood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $14,440 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,539 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $24,781 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $30,166 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $35,693 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $41,364 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $47,177 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $53,132 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 Brentwood, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brentwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Brentwood is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Brentwood?
A solar panel system isn't free in Brentwood, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brentwood is currently $122,500, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,022 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brentwood is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.