Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridley, PA (2023 Update)

  • Ridley Solar Installation Cost: $11,623
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,023
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Ridley

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ridley.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ridley typically cost about 2.55. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Ridley, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,620, or $16,617 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Ridley can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Ridley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,332
3 years $-7,752
5 years $-5,171
7 years $-2,591
9 years $-10
11 years $2,570
13 years $5,151
15 years $7,731
17 years $10,312
19 years $12,893
21 years $15,473
23 years $18,054
25 years $20,634

Top Solar Installers in Ridley

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're searching for a solar company in Ridley, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Ridley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridley

Though the average cost of a solar system in Ridley is $11,620, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Ridley, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ridley homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ridley, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 $13,415 11.3 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $18,172 11.1 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $23,072 10.9 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $28,114 10.7 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $33,300 10.5 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $38,628 10.3 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $44,100 10.0 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $49,713 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Ridley, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ridley?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 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 less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Ridley?

Solar panels aren't free in Ridley, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ridley?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.

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