Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oxford, PA (2023 Update)
- Oxford Solar Installation Cost: $11,669
- 25-Year Savings: $13,809
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oxford
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Oxford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oxford, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Oxford, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,674, or $16,694 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Oxford based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Oxford homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Oxford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oxford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,324 |
| 3 years | $-7,633 |
| 5 years | $-4,941 |
| 7 years | $-2,250 |
| 9 years | $441 |
| 11 years | $3,132 |
| 13 years | $5,823 |
| 15 years | $8,514 |
| 17 years | $11,206 |
| 19 years | $13,897 |
| 21 years | $16,588 |
| 23 years | $19,279 |
| 25 years | $21,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Oxford
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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
See all of the solar companies in Oxford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oxford
For many Oxford homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oxford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Oxford. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Oxford homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Oxford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,245 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,612 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,122 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,775 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,571 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,509 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,590 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,814 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Oxford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company'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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Oxford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oxford?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oxford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Oxford?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.