Solar Panel Cost Guide in Croydon, PA (2024 Update)
- Croydon Solar Installation Cost: $16,360
- 25-Year Savings: $14,894
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Croydon
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Croydon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Croydon, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Croydon is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,360 for a solar installation, or $23,395 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Croydon homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Croydon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Croydon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,070 |
| 3 years | $-12,489 |
| 5 years | $-9,908 |
| 7 years | $-7,328 |
| 9 years | $-4,747 |
| 11 years | $-2,167 |
| 13 years | $414 |
| 15 years | $2,994 |
| 17 years | $5,575 |
| 19 years | $8,155 |
| 21 years | $10,736 |
| 23 years | $13,317 |
| 25 years | $15,897 |
Top Solar Installers in Croydon
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Croydon, the EcoWatch team has 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Croydon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Croydon
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Croydon, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Croydon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Croydon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Croydon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Croydon is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,778 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,101 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,623 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,344 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,264 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,383 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,701 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,217 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand 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 making your decision.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Croydon, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Croydon?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Croydon?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Croydon, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Croydon?
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 electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Croydon?
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.