Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bradford, PA (Mar 2023)
- West Bradford Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $14,583
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bradford
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Bradford.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Bradford typically cost about 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $11,674 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Bradford based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Bradford find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in West Bradford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Bradford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,624 |
| 3 years | $-8,523 |
| 5 years | $-6,423 |
| 7 years | $-4,322 |
| 9 years | $-2,222 |
| 11 years | $-121 |
| 13 years | $1,979 |
| 15 years | $4,080 |
| 17 years | $6,181 |
| 19 years | $8,281 |
| 21 years | $10,382 |
| 23 years | $12,482 |
| 25 years | $14,583 |
Top Solar Installers in West Bradford
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in West Bradford:
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 West Bradford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bradford
Although the average cost of a solar system in West Bradford is $11,674, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel 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 around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Bradford to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better 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 names.
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 | $12,959 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,564 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,313 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,203 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,237 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,414 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,733 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,195 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 West Bradford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Bradford?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Bradford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $803.25 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.