Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth Meeting, PA (2023 Update)
- Plymouth Meeting Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $14,882
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plymouth Meeting
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Plymouth Meeting.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plymouth Meeting, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Plymouth Meeting homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,763 with the federal tax credit, or $16,821 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Plymouth Meeting depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plymouth Meeting find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Plymouth Meeting that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plymouth Meeting
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,697 |
| 3 years | $-8,566 |
| 5 years | $-6,434 |
| 7 years | $-4,302 |
| 9 years | $-2,171 |
| 11 years | $-39 |
| 13 years | $2,093 |
| 15 years | $4,224 |
| 17 years | $6,356 |
| 19 years | $8,487 |
| 21 years | $10,619 |
| 23 years | $12,751 |
| 25 years | $14,882 |
Top Solar Installers in Plymouth Meeting
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Plymouth Meeting:
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 Plymouth Meeting
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth Meeting
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Plymouth Meeting: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Plymouth Meeting. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Plymouth Meeting, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Plymouth Meeting, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,139 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,804 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,612 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,562 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,656 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,892 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,271 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,793 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good 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: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Plymouth Meeting, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plymouth Meeting?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Plymouth Meeting?
You can't get solar panels for free in Plymouth Meeting. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.