Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Brandywine, PA (2024 Update)
- West Brandywine Solar Installation Cost: $16,246
- 25-Year Savings: $14,081
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Brandywine
We go over average solar pricing in West Brandywine.
The average cost of a solar system in West Brandywine is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $16,246 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in West Brandywine depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Brandywine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,943 |
| 3 years | $-12,337 |
| 5 years | $-9,731 |
| 7 years | $-7,125 |
| 9 years | $-4,519 |
| 11 years | $-1,913 |
| 13 years | $693 |
| 15 years | $3,298 |
| 17 years | $5,904 |
| 19 years | $8,510 |
| 21 years | $11,116 |
| 23 years | $13,722 |
| 25 years | $16,328 |
Top Solar Installers in West Brandywine
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Brandywine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Brandywine
The cost of installing a solar system in West Brandywine can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in West Brandywine.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Brandywine average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in West Brandywine, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Brandywine homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in West Brandywine, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,127 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,234 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,539 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,043 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,746 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,648 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,749 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,048 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in West Brandywine, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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.
- Contract: When reading 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.
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 Brandywine, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Brandywine?
The average cost of solar panels in West Brandywine is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model 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 Brandywine?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West Brandywine, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in West Brandywine?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.