Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wayne, PA (2023 Update)

  • Wayne Solar Installation Cost: $12,114
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,626
  • Payback Period: 12.2 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Wayne

We go over average solar pricing in Wayne.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wayne typically cost around 2.55. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Wayne, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,120, or $17,332 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Wayne see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Wayne

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,031
3 years $-11,866
5 years $-11,701
7 years $-11,537
9 years $-11,372
11 years $-11,207
13 years $-11,042
15 years $-10,877
17 years $-10,712
19 years $-10,547
21 years $-10,382
23 years $-10,217
25 years $-10,052

Top Solar Installers in Wayne

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Wayne

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wayne

The cost of installing a solar system in Wayne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Wayne, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wayne average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Wayne, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Wayne, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on 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:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.

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 Wayne, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wayne?

This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Wayne?

You can't get solar panels for free in Wayne. However, you may still be able to afford 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.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

Follow us