Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Chichester, PA (2024 Update)
- Upper Chichester Solar Installation Cost: $16,181
- 25-Year Savings: $15,023
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Chichester
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Upper Chichester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Upper Chichester generally cost about 4.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Upper Chichester, the average price of going solar will be about $16,181 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Upper Chichester homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Upper Chichester homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Chichester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,890 |
| 3 years | $-12,310 |
| 5 years | $-9,729 |
| 7 years | $-7,149 |
| 9 years | $-4,568 |
| 11 years | $-1,988 |
| 13 years | $593 |
| 15 years | $3,174 |
| 17 years | $5,754 |
| 19 years | $8,335 |
| 21 years | $10,915 |
| 23 years | $13,496 |
| 25 years | $16,076 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Chichester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Upper Chichester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Chichester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Upper Chichester: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Upper Chichester, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Upper Chichester’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 promotion 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $9,047 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,460 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,072 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,882 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,892 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,100 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,508 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,113 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Upper Chichester, 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:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Upper Chichester, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Chichester?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Chichester is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Upper Chichester have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Upper Chichester?
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 higher level 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.