Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Moreland, PA (2023 Update)

  • Upper Moreland Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,891
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Moreland

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Upper Moreland.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upper Moreland, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average Upper Moreland homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,763 with the federal tax credit, or $16,821 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Upper Moreland depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Upper Moreland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Upper Moreland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,666
3 years $-11,488
5 years $-11,311
7 years $-11,133
9 years $-10,955
11 years $-10,778
13 years $-10,600
15 years $-10,423
17 years $-10,245
19 years $-10,067
21 years $-9,890
23 years $-9,712
25 years $-9,534

Top Solar Installers in Upper Moreland

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Moreland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Moreland

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Upper Moreland is $11,763, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

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 about $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Upper Moreland average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Upper Moreland provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Upper Moreland is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $13,139 11.5 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $17,804 11.2 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $22,612 11.0 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $27,562 10.8 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $32,656 10.6 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $37,892 10.4 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $43,271 10.1 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $48,793 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know 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 renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Upper Moreland, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Moreland?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Upper Moreland?

A solar panel system isn't free in Upper Moreland, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Upper Moreland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Upper Moreland?

Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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