Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Salford, PA (Feb 2023)
- Upper Salford Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $13,871
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Salford
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Upper Salford.
In Upper Salford, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Upper Salford, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Upper Salford homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Upper Salford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,738 |
| 3 years | $-8,687 |
| 5 years | $-6,636 |
| 7 years | $-4,586 |
| 9 years | $-2,535 |
| 11 years | $-484 |
| 13 years | $1,567 |
| 15 years | $3,617 |
| 17 years | $5,668 |
| 19 years | $7,719 |
| 21 years | $9,770 |
| 23 years | $11,820 |
| 25 years | $13,871 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Salford
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
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 in Upper Salford:
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 Salford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Salford
The cost of installing a solar system in Upper Salford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Upper Salford. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Upper Salford to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Upper Salford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Upper Salford have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $12,217 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,575 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,076 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,720 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,506 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,435 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,507 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,722 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Salford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Salford?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Salford 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 model 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 Salford?
A solar panel system isn't free in Upper Salford, 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 can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Upper Salford?
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 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.