Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Chichester, PA (Mar 2023)
- Upper Chichester 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 Upper Chichester
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Upper Chichester.
In Upper Chichester, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Upper Chichester homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,620 with the federal tax credit, or $16,617 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Upper Chichester based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Upper Chichester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Chichester
| 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 Upper Chichester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Upper Chichester, the EcoWatch team has 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 Upper Chichester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Chichester
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Upper Chichester is $11,620, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system 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 affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Upper Chichester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Upper Chichester have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Upper Chichester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Upper Chichester, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Chichester?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Upper Chichester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Upper Chichester?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.