Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darby, PA (2025 Update)

  • Darby 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 January 24, 2025

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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 Darby

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Darby.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Darby typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Darby is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,181 for a solar installation, or $23,139 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Darby see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Darby

YearReturn 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 Darby

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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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 Darby

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darby

There are many factors that can affect 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Darby.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Darby average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Darby to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Darby homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Darby, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Darby have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$9,04715.8 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$12,46015.5 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$16,07215.2 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$19,88214.9 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$23,89214.6 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$28,10014.3 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$32,50814.0 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$37,11313.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • 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 model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
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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 Darby, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Darby?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Darby?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Darby. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Darby, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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.