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
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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.Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Collingdale, the average price of going solar will be about $16,181 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Collingdale find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Collingdale for a quote for your home.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you're looking for a solar company in Collingdale, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Collingdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Collingdale
For many Collingdale homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Collingdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by nearly $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 Collingdale, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Collingdale is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.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 they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 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 attractive choice, as it often 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 switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Collingdale?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.