Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buckingham, PA (2024 Update)
- Buckingham Solar Installation Cost: $16,360
- 25-Year Savings: $15,790
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buckingham
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Buckingham.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buckingham, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Buckingham, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,360, or $23,395 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Buckingham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buckingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,074 |
| 3 years | $-12,502 |
| 5 years | $-9,930 |
| 7 years | $-7,358 |
| 9 years | $-4,786 |
| 11 years | $-2,214 |
| 13 years | $358 |
| 15 years | $2,930 |
| 17 years | $5,502 |
| 19 years | $8,074 |
| 21 years | $10,646 |
| 23 years | $13,218 |
| 25 years | $15,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Buckingham
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Buckingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buckingham
There are several factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Buckingham, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Buckingham have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $8,618 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,889 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,358 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,026 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,893 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,958 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,223 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,686 | 13.9 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Buckingham, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buckingham?
The average cost of solar panels in Buckingham 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Buckingham?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.