Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, PA (Aug 2022)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $12,549
- 25-Year Savings: $13,258
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Exeter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Exeter it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7 would cost about $12,549 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Exeter homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Exeter, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,516 |
| 3 years | $-9,452 |
| 5 years | $-7,387 |
| 7 years | $-5,323 |
| 9 years | $-3,258 |
| 11 years | $-1,193 |
| 13 years | $871 |
| 15 years | $2,936 |
| 17 years | $5,000 |
| 19 years | $7,065 |
| 21 years | $9,129 |
| 23 years | $11,194 |
| 25 years | $13,258 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Exeter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover 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 installing solar panels. 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 typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Exeter to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Exeter homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Exeter is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.65 | $11,775 | $11,506 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $15,398 | $15,643 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $18,870 | $19,931 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $22,191 | $24,370 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $25,361 | $28,960 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $28,380 | $33,701 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $31,249 | $38,593 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $33,966 | $43,636 | 10.9 years |
Solar Incentives in Exeter
| Name | Solar Alternative Energy Credits |
| Incentive Amount | Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices. |
| Incentive Max | Varies based on market conditions; SACP does not represent a price ceiling because it is only determined after the fact |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | High Performance Building Incentives Program |
| Incentive Amount | Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding |
| Incentive Max | Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000 Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | High Performance Buildings Incentive Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
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:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Exeter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Exeter?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Exeter?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.
