Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southampton, PA (2023 Update)
- Southampton Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $14,393
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southampton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Southampton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Southampton generally cost about 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Southampton is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,888 for a solar installation, or $17,000 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Southampton see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,837 |
| 3 years | $-8,734 |
| 5 years | $-6,632 |
| 7 years | $-4,529 |
| 9 years | $-2,427 |
| 11 years | $-324 |
| 13 years | $1,778 |
| 15 years | $3,881 |
| 17 years | $5,983 |
| 19 years | $8,086 |
| 21 years | $10,188 |
| 23 years | $12,291 |
| 25 years | $14,393 |
Top Solar Installers in Southampton
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Southampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southampton
For many Southampton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southampton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Southampton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall 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 installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,529 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,991 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,596 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,344 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,234 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,268 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,444 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,763 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Southampton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Southampton is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Southampton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Southampton?
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 opt 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.