Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Salford, PA (2024 Update)
- Lower Salford Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $13,938
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Salford
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Lower Salford.
In Lower Salford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Lower Salford is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,365 for a solar installation, or $23,402 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lower Salford find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Salford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,062 |
| 3 years | $-12,456 |
| 5 years | $-9,850 |
| 7 years | $-7,244 |
| 9 years | $-4,638 |
| 11 years | $-2,032 |
| 13 years | $574 |
| 15 years | $3,180 |
| 17 years | $5,785 |
| 19 years | $8,391 |
| 21 years | $10,997 |
| 23 years | $13,603 |
| 25 years | $16,209 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Salford
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lower Salford, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lower Salford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Salford
For many Lower Salford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lower Salford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Lower Salford.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Lower Salford, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,902 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,934 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,164 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,594 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,222 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,049 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,074 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $33,299 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Lower Salford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Salford?
The average cost of solar panels in Lower Salford 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lower Salford?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Lower Salford?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.