Solar Panel Cost Guide in Birdsboro, PA (2024 Update)
- Birdsboro Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,725
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Birdsboro
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Birdsboro.
The average cost of solar panels in Birdsboro is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,528 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Birdsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Birdsboro
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Birdsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Birdsboro
While the average cost of a solar system in Birdsboro is $16,528, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Birdsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Birdsboro to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Birdsboro’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,585 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,511 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,636 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,960 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,482 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,203 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,123 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,242 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- 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 substantial role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Birdsboro, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Birdsboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Birdsboro 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Birdsboro?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Birdsboro, 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 further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get 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.