Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fleetwood, PA (2023 Update)

  • Fleetwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,727
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fleetwood

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fleetwood.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fleetwood, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average Fleetwood homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,870 with the federal tax credit, or $16,974 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Fleetwood, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fleetwood

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,846
3 years $-8,799
5 years $-6,751
7 years $-4,703
9 years $-2,655
11 years $-607
13 years $1,440
15 years $3,488
17 years $5,536
19 years $7,584
21 years $9,631
23 years $11,679
25 years $13,727

Top Solar Installers in Fleetwood

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Fleetwood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fleetwood

There are a number of criteria 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 does the installation.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency 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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Fleetwood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $11,953 12.1 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,223 11.8 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,636 11.6 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $25,192 11.4 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $29,890 11.1 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $34,731 10.9 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $39,715 10.7 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $44,842 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Fleetwood, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fleetwood?

The average cost of solar panels in Fleetwood is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fleetwood?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fleetwood is currently $180,210, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,389 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fleetwood is a fruitful investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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.

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