Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paoli, PA (Mar 2023)
- Paoli Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $14,972
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paoli
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Paoli.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Paoli it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $11,674 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Paoli homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Paoli
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,608 |
| 3 years | $-8,476 |
| 5 years | $-6,345 |
| 7 years | $-4,213 |
| 9 years | $-2,082 |
| 11 years | $50 |
| 13 years | $2,182 |
| 15 years | $4,313 |
| 17 years | $6,445 |
| 19 years | $8,577 |
| 21 years | $10,708 |
| 23 years | $12,840 |
| 25 years | $14,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Paoli
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Paoli
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paoli
There are several factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Paoli. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Paoli, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Paoli is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $13,316 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,041 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,908 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,918 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,070 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,366 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,804 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,385 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Paoli, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paoli?
The average cost of solar panels in Paoli is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Paoli?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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 cover 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.