Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thorndale, PA (2023 Update)
- Thorndale Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $14,972
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thorndale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Thorndale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Thorndale, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Thorndale is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,674 for a solar installation, or $16,694 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Thorndale homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Thorndale homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Thorndale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,608 |
| 3 years | $-8,476 |
| 5 years | $-6,345 |
| 7 years | $-4,213 |
| 9 years | $-2,082 |
| 11 years | $50 |
| 13 years | $2,182 |
| 15 years | $4,313 |
| 17 years | $6,445 |
| 19 years | $8,577 |
| 21 years | $10,708 |
| 23 years | $12,840 |
| 25 years | $14,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Thorndale
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Thorndale, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Thorndale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thorndale
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Thorndale: 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 to offset your energy usage, 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 $2,550. 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Thorndale average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Thorndale, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Thorndale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,316 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,041 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,908 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,918 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,070 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,366 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,804 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,385 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- 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.
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 Thorndale, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thorndale?
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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Thorndale?
A solar panel system isn't free in Thorndale, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.