Solar Panel Cost Guide in Souderton, PA (2024 Update)
- Souderton Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $13,723
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Souderton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Souderton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Souderton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,365 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Souderton homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Souderton for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Souderton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,019 |
| 3 years | $-12,328 |
| 5 years | $-9,637 |
| 7 years | $-6,945 |
| 9 years | $-4,254 |
| 11 years | $-1,563 |
| 13 years | $1,128 |
| 15 years | $3,819 |
| 17 years | $6,511 |
| 19 years | $9,202 |
| 21 years | $11,893 |
| 23 years | $14,584 |
| 25 years | $17,275 |
Top Solar Installers in Souderton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Souderton:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Souderton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Souderton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Souderton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,550. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Souderton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Souderton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Souderton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,707 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,674 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,839 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,203 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,766 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,528 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,488 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,648 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Souderton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Souderton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Souderton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Souderton is currently $416,251, which means you can expect a value of about $17,066 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Souderton is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.