Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bryn Mawr, PA (2023 Update)
- Bryn Mawr Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $14,954
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bryn Mawr
We go over average solar pricing in Bryn Mawr.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bryn Mawr generally cost about 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Bryn Mawr is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,692 for a solar installation, or $16,720 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Bryn Mawr homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bryn Mawr
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,626 |
| 3 years | $-8,494 |
| 5 years | $-6,363 |
| 7 years | $-4,231 |
| 9 years | $-2,099 |
| 11 years | $32 |
| 13 years | $2,164 |
| 15 years | $4,296 |
| 17 years | $6,427 |
| 19 years | $8,559 |
| 21 years | $10,690 |
| 23 years | $12,822 |
| 25 years | $14,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Bryn Mawr
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Bryn Mawr
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bryn Mawr
For many Bryn Mawr homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bryn Mawr, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Bryn Mawr. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bryn Mawr, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bryn Mawr homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,277 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,988 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,842 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,838 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,978 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,260 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,685 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,253 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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.
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 Bryn Mawr, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bryn Mawr?
The average cost of solar panels in Bryn Mawr 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bryn Mawr?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bryn Mawr?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.