Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitpain, PA (2024 Update)
- Whitpain Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $15,892
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitpain
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Whitpain.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whitpain, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Whitpain, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,365, or $23,402 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Whitpain can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitpain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,074 |
| 3 years | $-12,494 |
| 5 years | $-9,913 |
| 7 years | $-7,333 |
| 9 years | $-4,752 |
| 11 years | $-2,172 |
| 13 years | $409 |
| 15 years | $2,990 |
| 17 years | $5,570 |
| 19 years | $8,151 |
| 21 years | $10,731 |
| 23 years | $13,312 |
| 25 years | $15,892 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitpain
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Whitpain, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Whitpain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitpain
For many Whitpain homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Whitpain, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Whitpain, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Whitpain homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Whitpain, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater 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 promotion 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,771 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,092 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,612 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,330 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,248 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,364 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,679 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,193 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Whitpain, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitpain?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitpain 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Whitpain is currently $464,017, so you can look forward to a value of about $19,025 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Whitpain is a worthwhile investment.
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 amount of 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 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.