Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wayne, PA (2023 Update)
- Wayne Solar Installation Cost: $12,120
- 25-Year Savings: $12,619
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wayne
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Wayne.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wayne it's 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Wayne, the average price of going solar will be about $12,120 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wayne 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. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Wayne can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Wayne, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wayne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,131 |
| 3 years | $-9,151 |
| 5 years | $-7,172 |
| 7 years | $-5,193 |
| 9 years | $-3,214 |
| 11 years | $-1,235 |
| 13 years | $744 |
| 15 years | $2,724 |
| 17 years | $4,703 |
| 19 years | $6,682 |
| 21 years | $8,661 |
| 23 years | $10,640 |
| 25 years | $12,619 |
Top Solar Installers in Wayne
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Wayne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wayne
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Wayne: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wayne homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wayne is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $10,734 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,598 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,604 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,753 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,045 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,480 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,058 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,778 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Wayne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Wayne, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wayne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wayne?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Is going solar worth it?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 household 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.