Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lionville, PA (2024 Update)
- Lionville Solar Installation Cost: $16,246
- 25-Year Savings: $14,976
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lionville
We break down average solar pricing in Lionville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lionville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Lionville homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,246 with the federal tax credit, or $23,232 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Lionville based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Lionville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,955 |
| 3 years | $-12,375 |
| 5 years | $-9,794 |
| 7 years | $-7,214 |
| 9 years | $-4,633 |
| 11 years | $-2,053 |
| 13 years | $528 |
| 15 years | $3,108 |
| 17 years | $5,689 |
| 19 years | $8,270 |
| 21 years | $10,850 |
| 23 years | $13,431 |
| 25 years | $16,011 |
Top Solar Installers in Lionville
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Lionville:
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 Lionville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lionville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Lionville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Lionville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $8,948 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,329 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,908 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,686 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,662 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,838 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,212 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,785 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Lionville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Lionville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lionville?
The average cost of solar panels in Lionville 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lionville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Lionville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Lionville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.