Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darby, PA (Mar 2023)
- Darby Solar Installation Cost: $11,620
- 25-Year Savings: $15,025
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darby
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Darby.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Darby, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Darby is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,620 for a solar installation, or $16,617 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Darby can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Darby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,555 |
| 3 years | $-8,423 |
| 5 years | $-6,291 |
| 7 years | $-4,160 |
| 9 years | $-2,028 |
| 11 years | $104 |
| 13 years | $2,235 |
| 15 years | $4,367 |
| 17 years | $6,499 |
| 19 years | $8,630 |
| 21 years | $10,762 |
| 23 years | $12,894 |
| 25 years | $15,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Darby
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Darby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Darby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darby
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Darby: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Darby is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Darby know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,415 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,172 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,072 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,114 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,300 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,628 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,100 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,713 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Darby, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Darby, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Darby?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Darby?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Darby have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Darby?
Although 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 how much 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.