Solar Panel Cost Guide in Derry, PA (2024 Update)
- Derry Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,965
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Derry
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Derry.
In Derry, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Derry, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,690, or $23,867 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Derry depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Derry homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Derry
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,447 |
| 3 years | $-12,961 |
| 5 years | $-10,475 |
| 7 years | $-7,990 |
| 9 years | $-5,504 |
| 11 years | $-3,018 |
| 13 years | $-532 |
| 15 years | $1,954 |
| 17 years | $4,440 |
| 19 years | $6,926 |
| 21 years | $9,412 |
| 23 years | $11,898 |
| 25 years | $14,384 |
Top Solar Installers in Derry
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Derry
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Derry
The cost of installing a solar system in Derry can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Derry, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Derry’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $6,786 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,445 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,303 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,360 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,616 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,071 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,724 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,577 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Derry, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 how long it will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Derry, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Derry?
The average cost of solar panels in Derry 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Derry?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Derry. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Derry, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.