Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middlesex, PA (2024 Update)
- Middlesex Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $14,669
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middlesex
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Middlesex.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middlesex it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Middlesex is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,556 for a solar installation, or $23,675 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Middlesex that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middlesex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,245 |
| 3 years | $-12,622 |
| 5 years | $-9,999 |
| 7 years | $-7,376 |
| 9 years | $-4,754 |
| 11 years | $-2,131 |
| 13 years | $492 |
| 15 years | $3,115 |
| 17 years | $5,737 |
| 19 years | $8,360 |
| 21 years | $10,983 |
| 23 years | $13,606 |
| 25 years | $16,229 |
Top Solar Installers in Middlesex
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Middlesex, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Middlesex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middlesex
For many Middlesex homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middlesex, 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 important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Middlesex.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to 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 amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $8,414 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,616 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,017 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,617 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,415 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,412 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,609 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,004 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Middlesex, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middlesex?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Middlesex?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Middlesex is currently $307,710, so you can expect a value of about $12,616 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middlesex is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.