Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, PA (Feb 2023)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,937
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Exeter.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Exeter typically cost about $3. The average Exeter homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,870, or $8,784 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Exeter homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,838 |
| 3 years | $-8,773 |
| 5 years | $-6,709 |
| 7 years | $-4,644 |
| 9 years | $-2,580 |
| 11 years | $-515 |
| 13 years | $1,549 |
| 15 years | $3,614 |
| 17 years | $5,679 |
| 19 years | $7,743 |
| 21 years | $9,808 |
| 23 years | $11,872 |
| 25 years | $13,937 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of 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 in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Exeter, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Exeter are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $12,142 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,475 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,951 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,570 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,331 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,235 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,282 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,472 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Exeter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Exeter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Exeter?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Exeter?
A solar panel system isn't free in Exeter, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Exeter is currently $192,682, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,900 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Exeter is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.