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

  • Salford Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,747
  • Payback Period: 11.5 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Salford

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Salford.

The average cost of solar panels in Salford is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,763 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Salford based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after 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 utility bills.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Salford, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Salford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,670
3 years $-11,500
5 years $-11,330
7 years $-11,160
9 years $-10,990
11 years $-10,820
13 years $-10,650
15 years $-10,480
17 years $-10,310
19 years $-10,140
21 years $-9,970
23 years $-9,800
25 years $-9,630

Top Solar Installers in Salford

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Salford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salford

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Salford: 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 around $2,550 per kilowatt in Salford. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Salford average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to include 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 off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Salford's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Salford know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $2.65 $11,138 $12,097 12.0 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,414 11.8 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,875 11.5 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $25,478 11.3 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $30,225 11.1 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $35,114 10.8 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $40,146 10.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $45,320 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Salford, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Salford?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Salford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Salford?

On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.

Follow us