Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glenside, PA (Mar 2023)
- Glenside 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 Glenside
We go over average solar pricing in Glenside.
In Glenside, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Glenside, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Glenside find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Glenside for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Glenside
| 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 Glenside
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Glenside, we've 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 Glenside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glenside
Although the average cost of a solar system in Glenside is $11,763, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Glenside. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 can only 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Glenside, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Glenside, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glenside?
The average cost of solar panels in Glenside 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Glenside have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.