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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Updated February 03, 2024
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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.The average Derry homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,690 with the federal tax credit, or $23,867 before the 0 tax credit 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 brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Derry find investing in solar can pay off big.
To see 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
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Derry:
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
For many Derry homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Derry, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Derry, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Derry to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Derry, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Derry?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for 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 power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $743.07 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.