Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bryn Mawr, PA (2023 Update)

  • Bryn Mawr Solar Installation Cost: $11,688
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,957
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Bryn Mawr

We go over average solar pricing in Bryn Mawr.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bryn Mawr, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bryn Mawr, the average price of going solar will be about $11,692 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Bryn Mawr depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bryn Mawr can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Bryn Mawr

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,600
3 years $-11,422
5 years $-11,244
7 years $-11,067
9 years $-10,889
11 years $-10,711
13 years $-10,534
15 years $-10,356
17 years $-10,178
19 years $-10,001
21 years $-9,823
23 years $-9,646
25 years $-9,468

Top Solar Installers in Bryn Mawr

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Bryn Mawr

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bryn Mawr

The cost of installing a solar system in Bryn Mawr can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind 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

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 usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 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 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.

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