Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pennside, PA (2024 Update)
- Pennside Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,725
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pennside
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Pennside.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pennside, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,528 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Pennside for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pennside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Pennside
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Pennside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pennside
For many Pennside homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pennside, 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pennside to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Pennside homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Pennside’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pennside have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $7,585 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,511 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,636 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,960 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,482 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,203 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,123 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,242 | 14.5 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. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Pennside, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pennside?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pennside?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Pennside?
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 power 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 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.