Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Makefield, PA (Mar 2023)
- Upper Makefield Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
- 25-Year Savings: $14,638
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Makefield
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Upper Makefield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Upper Makefield it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Upper Makefield, the average price of going solar will be about $11,745 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Upper Makefield homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Upper Makefield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Makefield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,690 |
| 3 years | $-8,579 |
| 5 years | $-6,469 |
| 7 years | $-4,358 |
| 9 years | $-2,247 |
| 11 years | $-137 |
| 13 years | $1,974 |
| 15 years | $4,085 |
| 17 years | $6,195 |
| 19 years | $8,306 |
| 21 years | $10,417 |
| 23 years | $12,528 |
| 25 years | $14,638 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Makefield
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Upper Makefield, optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Makefield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Makefield
For many Upper Makefield homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Upper Makefield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Upper Makefield is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,907 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,495 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,225 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,099 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,115 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,274 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,576 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,021 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Upper Makefield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Makefield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Makefield?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Makefield is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Upper Makefield?
A solar panel system isn't free in Upper Makefield, 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 can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Upper Makefield is currently $525,764, which means you can expect a value of about $21,556 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Upper Makefield is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.