Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Brandywine, PA (2023 Update)
- West Brandywine Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $14,077
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Brandywine
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Brandywine.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Brandywine, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Brandywine, the average price of going solar will be about $11,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in West Brandywine based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Brandywine find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in West Brandywine, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Brandywine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,644 |
| 3 years | $-8,584 |
| 5 years | $-6,524 |
| 7 years | $-4,464 |
| 9 years | $-2,404 |
| 11 years | $-344 |
| 13 years | $1,716 |
| 15 years | $3,777 |
| 17 years | $5,837 |
| 19 years | $7,897 |
| 21 years | $9,957 |
| 23 years | $12,017 |
| 25 years | $14,077 |
Top Solar Installers in West Brandywine
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
See all of the solar companies in West Brandywine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Brandywine
There are several factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in West Brandywine, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Brandywine, which can reduce, 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 can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Brandywine is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $12,495 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,946 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,539 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,275 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,154 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,176 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,341 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,648 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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 Brandywine, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Brandywine?
The average cost of solar panels in West Brandywine is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Brandywine?
Solar panels aren't free in West Brandywine, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.