Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thornbury, PA (Mar 2023)
- Thornbury 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 Thornbury
We break down average solar pricing in Thornbury.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Thornbury generally cost about 2.55. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Thornbury, the average price of going solar will be about $11,620 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Thornbury depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Thornbury, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thornbury
| 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 Thornbury
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Thornbury, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Thornbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thornbury
While the average cost of a solar system in Thornbury is $11,620, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Thornbury average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Thornbury homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Thornbury homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Thornbury is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Thornbury, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thornbury?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $818.43 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Thornbury?
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 larger 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.