Solar Panel Cost Guide in Philadelphia, MS (2024 Update)
- Philadelphia Solar Installation Cost: $18,451
- 25-Year Savings: $15,125
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Philadelphia
We go over average solar pricing in Philadelphia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Philadelphia it’s 3 per watt.Because a 8.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Philadelphia, the average price of going solar will be about $18,451 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Philadelphia based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Philadelphia find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Philadelphia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,922 |
| 3 years | $-13,863 |
| 5 years | $-10,805 |
| 7 years | $-7,747 |
| 9 years | $-4,689 |
| 11 years | $-1,631 |
| 13 years | $1,427 |
| 15 years | $4,486 |
| 17 years | $7,544 |
| 19 years | $10,602 |
| 21 years | $13,660 |
| 23 years | $16,718 |
| 25 years | $19,776 |
Top Solar Installers in Philadelphia
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Philadelphia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Philadelphia
Though the average cost of a solar system in Philadelphia is $18,451, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 $3,140. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Philadelphia offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Philadelphia, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.27 | $13,716 | $8,183 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $11,263 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $14,518 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $17,949 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $21,556 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $25,339 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $29,298 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $33,432 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Philadelphia, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Philadelphia?
The average cost of solar panels in Philadelphia is about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Philadelphia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.