Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plumstead, PA (2024 Update)

  • Plumstead Solar Installation Cost: $16,360
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,285
  • Payback Period: 15.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plumstead

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Plumstead.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plumstead generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Plumstead is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,360 for a solar installation, or $23,395 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Plumstead homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Plumstead

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,086
3 years $-12,539
5 years $-9,992
7 years $-7,445
9 years $-4,898
11 years $-2,351
13 years $196
15 years $2,743
17 years $5,290
19 years $7,838
21 years $10,385
23 years $12,932
25 years $15,479

Top Solar Installers in Plumstead

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Plumstead

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plumstead

There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plumstead to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Plumstead, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 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 $3.69 $15,506 $8,223 16.3 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $11,361 16.0 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $14,699 15.7 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $18,235 15.4 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $21,970 15.1 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $25,903 14.8 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $30,036 14.5 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $34,367 14.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Plumstead, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Plumstead, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plumstead?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 long do solar panels last in Plumstead?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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