Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bradford, PA (2023 Update)
- West Bradford Solar Installation Cost: $11,669
- 25-Year Savings: $14,587
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bradford
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in West Bradford.
In West Bradford, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Bradford, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,674, or $16,694 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you 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 receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in West Bradford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Bradford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,368 |
| 3 years | $-7,765 |
| 5 years | $-5,163 |
| 7 years | $-2,560 |
| 9 years | $43 |
| 11 years | $2,645 |
| 13 years | $5,248 |
| 15 years | $7,851 |
| 17 years | $10,453 |
| 19 years | $13,056 |
| 21 years | $15,659 |
| 23 years | $18,261 |
| 25 years | $20,864 |
Top Solar Installers in West Bradford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in West Bradford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bradford
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in West Bradford. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in West Bradford, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's West Bradford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Bradford?
This is a tough 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.