Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guilford, PA (2023 Update)
- Guilford Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $12,688
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guilford
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Guilford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Guilford it's 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Guilford, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,888, or $17,000 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Guilford homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Guilford for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Guilford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,905 |
| 3 years | $-8,939 |
| 5 years | $-6,973 |
| 7 years | $-5,007 |
| 9 years | $-3,041 |
| 11 years | $-1,074 |
| 13 years | $892 |
| 15 years | $2,858 |
| 17 years | $4,824 |
| 19 years | $6,790 |
| 21 years | $8,756 |
| 23 years | $10,722 |
| 25 years | $12,688 |
Top Solar Installers in Guilford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Guilford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guilford
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Guilford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Guilford. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Guilford average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Guilford, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Guilford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $11,138 | $10,994 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,945 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,038 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,274 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,652 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,174 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,838 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,645 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Guilford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Guilford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Guilford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Guilford have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.