Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Washington, PA (2023 Update)
- Fort Washington Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $14,882
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Washington
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Washington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Washington typically cost around 2.55. The average Fort Washington homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,763 with the federal tax credit, or $16,821 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Fort Washington for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fort Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,697 |
| 3 years | $-8,566 |
| 5 years | $-6,434 |
| 7 years | $-4,302 |
| 9 years | $-2,171 |
| 11 years | $-39 |
| 13 years | $2,093 |
| 15 years | $4,224 |
| 17 years | $6,356 |
| 19 years | $8,487 |
| 21 years | $10,619 |
| 23 years | $12,751 |
| 25 years | $14,882 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Washington
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fort Washington, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fort Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Washington
There are many factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Fort Washington. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fort Washington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Washington have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,139 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,804 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,612 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,562 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,656 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,892 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,271 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,793 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Fort Washington, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Washington 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Washington?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.