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

  • Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,511
  • Payback Period: 16.1 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 Brighton

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Brighton.

In Brighton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Brighton homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,357 with the federal tax credit, or $24,821 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brighton find going 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 Brighton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,720
3 years $-12,446
5 years $-9,172
7 years $-5,899
9 years $-2,625
11 years $649
13 years $3,923
15 years $7,197
17 years $10,471
19 years $13,744
21 years $17,018
23 years $20,292
25 years $23,566

Top Solar Installers in Brighton

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Brighton, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Brighton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Brighton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Brighton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Brighton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $3.69 $15,506 $7,669 16.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $10,622 16.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $13,775 16.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $17,126 15.8 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $20,677 15.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $24,426 15.1 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $28,373 14.8 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $32,520 14.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

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 Brighton, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brighton?

The average cost of solar panels in Brighton is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Brighton?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Brighton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Brighton have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.

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