Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bradford, PA (2024 Update)
- Bradford Solar Installation Cost: $17,998
- 25-Year Savings: $17,672
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bradford
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bradford.
In Bradford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bradford, the average price of going solar will be about $17,998 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bradford find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bradford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,520 |
| 3 years | $-13,565 |
| 5 years | $-10,610 |
| 7 years | $-7,655 |
| 9 years | $-4,700 |
| 11 years | $-1,745 |
| 13 years | $1,210 |
| 15 years | $4,164 |
| 17 years | $7,119 |
| 19 years | $10,074 |
| 21 years | $13,029 |
| 23 years | $15,984 |
| 25 years | $18,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Bradford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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 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 Bradford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bradford
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bradford is $17,998, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Bradford.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bradford offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bradford, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $9,843 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $13,522 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $17,400 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $21,476 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $25,751 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $30,225 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $34,898 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $39,769 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Bradford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bradford?
The average cost of solar panels in Bradford 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.