Solar Panel Cost Guide in Drexel Hill, PA (Oct 2022)
- Drexel Hill Solar Installation Cost: $11,620
- 25-Year Savings: $15,025
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Drexel Hill
We break down average solar pricing in Drexel Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Drexel Hill, the average cost of solar panels is $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Drexel Hill is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,620 for a solar installation, or $8,599 after 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 actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Drexel Hill
| 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 Drexel Hill
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Drexel Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Drexel Hill
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Drexel Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment Size
The size of the system you need is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Drexel Hill, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Drexel Hill homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Drexel Hill's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 |
Solar Incentives in Drexel Hill
| Name | High Performance Buildings Incentive Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | City of Philadelphia - Solar Rebate Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Wind and Geothermal Incentives Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Alternative Energy Credits |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | High Performance Building Incentives Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Drexel Hill, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Drexel Hill?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Drexel Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $818.43 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.
