Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lower Southampton, PA (2023 Update)

  • Lower Southampton Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,900
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Southampton

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Lower Southampton.

The average cost of a solar system in Lower Southampton is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,745 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Lower Southampton based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Lower Southampton for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Lower Southampton

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 Southampton

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Southampton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lower Southampton

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Lower Southampton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar 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 equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lower Southampton average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Lower Southampton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to add 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 off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Lower Southampton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lower Southampton know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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

There are a large number of companies available in Lower Southampton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lower Southampton, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lower Southampton?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lower Southampton?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Is going solar 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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Lower Southampton?

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.

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