Solar Panel Cost Guide in Collingdale, PA (2024 Update)

  • Collingdale Solar Installation Cost: $16,181
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,023
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Collingdale

We go over average solar pricing in Collingdale.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Collingdale, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Collingdale, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,181, or $23,139 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Collingdale based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Collingdale find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Collingdale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,890
3 years $-12,310
5 years $-9,729
7 years $-7,149
9 years $-4,568
11 years $-1,988
13 years $593
15 years $3,174
17 years $5,754
19 years $8,335
21 years $10,915
23 years $13,496
25 years $16,076

Top Solar Installers in Collingdale

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Collingdale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Collingdale

Though the average cost of a solar system in Collingdale is $16,181, your final cost may be above or below the average. 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 take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Collingdale average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Collingdale, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Collingdale, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 $9,047 15.8 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,460 15.5 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $16,072 15.2 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $19,882 14.9 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $23,892 14.6 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $28,100 14.3 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $32,508 14.0 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $37,113 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

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 Collingdale, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Collingdale?

The average cost of solar panels in Collingdale is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 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 use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Collingdale?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Is it worth going solar in Collingdale?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Collingdale?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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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