Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Makefield, PA (2023 Update)
- Lower Makefield Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
- 25-Year Savings: $14,900
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Makefield
We break down average solar pricing in Lower Makefield.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lower Makefield generally cost about 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Lower Makefield is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,745 for a solar installation, or $16,795 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Lower Makefield depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Lower Makefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,679 |
| 3 years | $-8,548 |
| 5 years | $-6,416 |
| 7 years | $-4,285 |
| 9 years | $-2,153 |
| 11 years | $-21 |
| 13 years | $2,110 |
| 15 years | $4,242 |
| 17 years | $6,374 |
| 19 years | $8,505 |
| 21 years | $10,637 |
| 23 years | $12,769 |
| 25 years | $14,900 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Makefield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Lower Makefield, 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
See all of the solar companies in Lower Makefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Makefield
While the average cost of a solar system in Lower Makefield is $11,745, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lower Makefield, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lower Makefield is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Lower Makefield are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $13,146 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,813 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,623 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,576 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,672 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,911 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,293 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,817 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- 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: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Lower Makefield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Makefield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Lower Makefield?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.