Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Providence, PA (2023 Update)
- Lower Providence Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Providence
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Lower Providence.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lower Providence typically cost about 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Lower Providence is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,763 for a solar installation, or $16,821 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Lower Providence depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Lower Providence homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Lower Providence, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Providence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,465 |
| 3 years | $-7,884 |
| 5 years | $-5,303 |
| 7 years | $-2,723 |
| 9 years | $-142 |
| 11 years | $2,438 |
| 13 years | $5,019 |
| 15 years | $7,599 |
| 17 years | $10,180 |
| 19 years | $12,760 |
| 21 years | $15,341 |
| 23 years | $17,921 |
| 25 years | $20,502 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Providence
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 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 Providence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Providence
There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lower Providence, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Lower Providence, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though 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.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Providence, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Providence?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lower Providence?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lower Providence?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 larger 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.