Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buckingham, PA (2023 Update)
- Buckingham Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
- 25-Year Savings: $14,725
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buckingham
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Buckingham.
In Buckingham, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. 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 around $11,745, or $16,795 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Buckingham based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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 Buckingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,686 |
| 3 years | $-8,569 |
| 5 years | $-6,451 |
| 7 years | $-4,333 |
| 9 years | $-2,216 |
| 11 years | $-98 |
| 13 years | $2,019 |
| 15 years | $4,137 |
| 17 years | $6,255 |
| 19 years | $8,372 |
| 21 years | $10,490 |
| 23 years | $12,608 |
| 25 years | $14,725 |
Top Solar Installers in Buckingham
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. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Buckingham:
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 Buckingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buckingham
Though the average cost of a solar system in Buckingham is $11,745, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Buckingham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Buckingham homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $12,986 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,601 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,358 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,258 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,301 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,486 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,815 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,286 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
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 Buckingham, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buckingham?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Buckingham?
You can't get solar panels for free in Buckingham. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $804.16 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 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.