Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marlborough, PA (2023 Update)
- Marlborough Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $13,748
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marlborough
We break down average solar pricing in Marlborough.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Marlborough it's 2.55 per watt. The average Marlborough homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,763 with the federal tax credit, or $16,821 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Marlborough homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marlborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,743 |
| 3 years | $-8,702 |
| 5 years | $-6,661 |
| 7 years | $-4,620 |
| 9 years | $-2,579 |
| 11 years | $-538 |
| 13 years | $1,502 |
| 15 years | $3,543 |
| 17 years | $5,584 |
| 19 years | $7,625 |
| 21 years | $9,666 |
| 23 years | $11,707 |
| 25 years | $13,748 |
Top Solar Installers in Marlborough
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Marlborough, we've put together 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 Marlborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marlborough
For many Marlborough homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Marlborough, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 around $2,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Marlborough, you'll have many 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $12,105 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,425 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,888 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,494 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,243 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,135 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,169 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,346 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Marlborough, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marlborough?
The average cost of solar panels in Marlborough is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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.