Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Gwynedd, PA (Mar 2023)
- Upper Gwynedd Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $17,125
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Gwynedd
We go over average solar pricing in Upper Gwynedd.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upper Gwynedd, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Upper Gwynedd, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Upper Gwynedd homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Upper Gwynedd
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,608 |
| 3 years | $-8,297 |
| 5 years | $-5,986 |
| 7 years | $-3,675 |
| 9 years | $-1,364 |
| 11 years | $947 |
| 13 years | $3,258 |
| 15 years | $5,570 |
| 17 years | $7,881 |
| 19 years | $10,192 |
| 21 years | $12,503 |
| 23 years | $14,814 |
| 25 years | $17,125 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Gwynedd
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
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 Gwynedd
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Gwynedd
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Upper Gwynedd: 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 solar panels in Upper Gwynedd, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Upper Gwynedd, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $15,182 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $20,528 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $26,017 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $31,648 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $37,423 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $43,340 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $49,400 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $55,603 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Upper Gwynedd, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Gwynedd, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Gwynedd?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Is it worth going solar in Upper Gwynedd?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Upper Gwynedd?
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.