Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridley, PA (Mar 2023)
- Ridley Solar Installation Cost: $11,620
- 25-Year Savings: $15,025
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridley
We break down average solar pricing in Ridley.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ridley generally cost around 2.55. The average Ridley homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,620 with the federal tax credit, or $16,617 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Ridley based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ridley find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Ridley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ridley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,555 |
| 3 years | $-8,423 |
| 5 years | $-6,291 |
| 7 years | $-4,160 |
| 9 years | $-2,028 |
| 11 years | $104 |
| 13 years | $2,235 |
| 15 years | $4,367 |
| 17 years | $6,499 |
| 19 years | $8,630 |
| 21 years | $10,762 |
| 23 years | $12,894 |
| 25 years | $15,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridley
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 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 Ridley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridley
The cost of installing a solar system in Ridley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Ridley. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ridley, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ridley, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ridley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Ridley, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points 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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Ridley, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ridley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities 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.
Does Ridley have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.