Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, PA (Feb 2023)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
- 25-Year Savings: $14,900
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bristol.
In Bristol, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.6 would cost about $11,745 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bristol homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bristol see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bristol that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,679 |
| 3 years | $-8,548 |
| 5 years | $-6,416 |
| 7 years | $-4,285 |
| 9 years | $-2,153 |
| 11 years | $-21 |
| 13 years | $2,110 |
| 15 years | $4,242 |
| 17 years | $6,374 |
| 19 years | $8,505 |
| 21 years | $10,637 |
| 23 years | $12,769 |
| 25 years | $14,900 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bristol average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Bristol's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bristol, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bristol?
The average cost of solar panels in Bristol 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bristol?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bristol, 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 once you've had 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.