Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, PA (2023 Update)
- Bristol 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 Bristol
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bristol.
In Bristol, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bristol, the average price of going solar will be about $11,745 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bristol can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Bristol, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| 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 Bristol
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Bristol: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Bristol, 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bristol, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bristol is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $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 solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 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 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 Bristol?
Solar panels aren't free in Bristol, 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 further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bristol, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.