Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guilford, PA (2024 Update)
- Guilford Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $12,684
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guilford
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Guilford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Guilford typically cost about 4.Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Guilford, the average price of going solar will be about $16,556 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Guilford find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Guilford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,394 |
| 3 years | $-13,071 |
| 5 years | $-10,747 |
| 7 years | $-8,423 |
| 9 years | $-6,100 |
| 11 years | $-3,776 |
| 13 years | $-1,453 |
| 15 years | $871 |
| 17 years | $3,195 |
| 19 years | $5,518 |
| 21 years | $7,842 |
| 23 years | $10,166 |
| 25 years | $12,489 |
Top Solar Installers in Guilford
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel 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 near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Guilford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guilford
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Guilford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Guilford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Guilford to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Guilford homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Guilford, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically 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 vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,626 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,233 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,038 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,042 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,244 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,646 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,246 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,045 | 15.2 years |
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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Guilford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Guilford?
The average cost of solar panels in Guilford is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Guilford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Guilford. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Guilford?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.