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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,365 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high initial cost, the average Whitpain homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer 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
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer 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.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Whitpain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitpain
The cost of installing a solar system in Whitpain can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,550. The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Whitpain average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Whitpain homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Whitpain, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Whitpain have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 system 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:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Whitpain, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitpain?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels 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 could be looking at 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 fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.