Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Brighton, PA (2023 Update)
- New Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $12,468
- 25-Year Savings: $14,511
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Brighton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in New Brighton.
In New Brighton, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,459 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average New Brighton homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,378 |
| 3 years | $-12,198 |
| 5 years | $-12,018 |
| 7 years | $-11,838 |
| 9 years | $-11,658 |
| 11 years | $-11,478 |
| 13 years | $-11,299 |
| 15 years | $-11,119 |
| 17 years | $-10,939 |
| 19 years | $-10,759 |
| 21 years | $-10,579 |
| 23 years | $-10,399 |
| 25 years | $-10,219 |
Top Solar Installers in New Brighton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in New Brighton:
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 New Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Brighton
For many New Brighton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in New Brighton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like New Brighton, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many New Brighton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When figuring out 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 remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in New Brighton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,037 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,334 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,775 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,358 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,085 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,954 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,965 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,120 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 New Brighton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Brighton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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 New Brighton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.