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

  • Upper Saucon Solar Installation Cost: $11,918
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,393
  • Payback Period: 12.3 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 Saucon

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Upper Saucon.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Upper Saucon generally cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Upper Saucon is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,924 for a solar installation, or $17,051 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Upper Saucon homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Upper Saucon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,837
3 years $-11,675
5 years $-11,513
7 years $-11,350
9 years $-11,188
11 years $-11,026
13 years $-10,864
15 years $-10,702
17 years $-10,540
19 years $-10,378
21 years $-10,216
23 years $-10,054
25 years $-9,892

Top Solar Installers in Upper Saucon

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

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 nearby:

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 Saucon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Saucon

Though the average cost of a solar system in Upper Saucon is $11,924, your final cost may differ. 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 crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Upper Saucon, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Upper Saucon, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $10,709 12.7 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $14,564 12.5 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $18,562 12.3 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $22,702 12.0 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $26,986 11.8 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $31,412 11.5 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $35,981 11.3 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $40,693 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.

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 Saucon, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Upper Saucon 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Upper Saucon?

You can't get solar panels for free in Upper Saucon. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much 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 keep using 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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