Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bradford, PA (2024 Update)
- West Bradford Solar Installation Cost: $16,246
- 25-Year Savings: $14,587
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bradford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in West Bradford.
The average cost of a solar system in West Bradford is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Bradford is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,246 for a solar installation, or $23,232 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Bradford find going solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Bradford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,944 |
| 3 years | $-12,342 |
| 5 years | $-9,739 |
| 7 years | $-7,136 |
| 9 years | $-4,534 |
| 11 years | $-1,931 |
| 13 years | $672 |
| 15 years | $3,274 |
| 17 years | $5,877 |
| 19 years | $8,480 |
| 21 years | $11,082 |
| 23 years | $13,685 |
| 25 years | $16,288 |
Top Solar Installers in West Bradford
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 West Bradford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bradford
For many West Bradford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Bradford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in West Bradford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Bradford average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. West Bradford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,591 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,852 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,313 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,971 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,829 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,886 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,141 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,595 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's West Bradford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Bradford?
The average cost of solar panels in West Bradford is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 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 use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Bradford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in West Bradford?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.