Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Salford, PA (Mar 2023)
- Lower Salford Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $13,929
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Salford
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lower Salford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lower Salford generally cost around 2.55. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Lower Salford, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Lower Salford depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lower Salford find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lower Salford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,735 |
| 3 years | $-8,680 |
| 5 years | $-6,625 |
| 7 years | $-4,569 |
| 9 years | $-2,514 |
| 11 years | $-458 |
| 13 years | $1,597 |
| 15 years | $3,652 |
| 17 years | $5,708 |
| 19 years | $7,763 |
| 21 years | $9,819 |
| 23 years | $11,874 |
| 25 years | $13,929 |
Top Solar Installers in Lower Salford
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Lower Salford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Salford
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lower Salford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Lower Salford. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lower Salford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lower Salford to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,270 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,646 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,164 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,826 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,630 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,577 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,666 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,899 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lower Salford?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.