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

  • Upper Providence 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 Providence

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Upper Providence.

The average cost of a solar system in Upper Providence is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Upper Providence, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,763, or $16,821 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Upper Providence homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Upper Providence homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Upper Providence for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Upper Providence

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,465
3 years $-7,884
5 years $-5,303
7 years $-2,723
9 years $-142
11 years $2,438
13 years $5,019
15 years $7,599
17 years $10,180
19 years $12,760
21 years $15,341
23 years $17,921
25 years $20,502

Top Solar Installers in Upper Providence

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Upper Providence, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Providence

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Providence

While the average cost of a solar system in Upper Providence is $11,763, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Upper Providence to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Upper Providence homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Upper Providence is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Upper Providence have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully 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.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.

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 Providence, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Providence?

The average cost of solar panels in Upper Providence 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 certain factors 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 Providence?

You can't get solar panels for free in Upper Providence. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Upper Providence?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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