Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Moreland, PA (Mar 2023)
- Upper Moreland Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $14,882
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Moreland
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Upper Moreland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upper Moreland, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Upper Moreland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Upper Moreland can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Moreland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,697 |
| 3 years | $-8,566 |
| 5 years | $-6,434 |
| 7 years | $-4,302 |
| 9 years | $-2,171 |
| 11 years | $-39 |
| 13 years | $2,093 |
| 15 years | $4,224 |
| 17 years | $6,356 |
| 19 years | $8,487 |
| 21 years | $10,619 |
| 23 years | $12,751 |
| 25 years | $14,882 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Moreland
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Moreland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Moreland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Upper Moreland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Upper Moreland, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Upper Moreland, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Upper Moreland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Upper Moreland'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 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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Moreland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Moreland?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Upper Moreland?
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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Upper Moreland is currently $312,515, which means you can expect a value of about $12,813 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Upper Moreland is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.